AMAKHOSI NEED THESE CHIEFS N NOW
Kaizer Chiefs’ aspirations to win the league title remain intact but there’s a handful of personnel that will need to step up to the plate against champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday (6pm kick-off)
COACH: ERNST MIDDENDORP
Middendorp has brought a breath of fresh air to Amakhosi this season. But he’ll know that in order to retain his post next season Chiefs need to make a convincing run in their bid to wrap up the league title before the last day of the campaign early next month. Since the restart, though, Chiefs have been underwhelming in their four matches, following one win, two draws and one loss. However, the German coach will get a chance to redeem himself on Thursday against counterpart Pitso Mosimane.
KEEPER: DANIEL AKPEYI
Akpeyi’s arrival at Chiefs was met with a lot of jeers from their supporters, who believed that he was not worthy of donning the jersey of the most successful club in domestic football. However, to say that he’s proved his detractors wrong would be an understatement. Not only has he capitalised on the injury woes of Itumeleng Khune to don the No 1 jersey but he’s wormed his way into Amakhosi faithful’s hearts. But after conceding seven goals in just four matches since the restart, he’ll know that he has been far from his best recently.
DEFENDER: ERIC MATHOHO
The absence of Mathoho due to an injury last season was deemed as one of the problems that led to a lacklustre campaign, with schoolboy errors in defence costing the team dearly. The Venda-born defender, however, returned with a clean bill of health this season and was sound alongside Daniel Cardoso at the heart of Chiefs’ defence before the Covid-19 break. But his decision-making has been poor in recent weeks and he needs to up his game.
ATTACKER:
KHAMA BILLIAT
Billiat has had a season to forget at Naturena. Not only has he battled with injuries but he’s failed to deliver when given the chance, considering that he hasn’t scored since September last year during their 2-0 win over AmaZulu. Granted, striker Samir Nurkovic has led the striking contingent with aplomb after scoring 13 league goals this season but Billiat will need to bring his scoring boots against his former employers, especially with Nurkovic missing the game due to a suspension.
STRIKER: LEONARDO CASTRO
The absence of Nurkovic will give Castro a chance to be a hero. Capitalising on that platform will also do him a world of good, especially having been barely involved in the team’s goals since the restart – despite renewing his contract with a two-year deal at the end of June. Sure, his future at the club is safe but he’ll have to repay the faith shown to him by delivering where it matters the most – by scoring goals. So far, he’s blown hot and cold, especially after only seven league goals this season.