Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabo Cele has sent a bold warning to Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Wednesday’s massive Betway Premiership showdown at Loftus. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele did not mince his words about “spoiling the party” for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race, but he and his teammates must back those world up when the two clubs clash on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off).
Chiefs will visit Sundowns in a league encounter at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. It is a crucial match for both sides: Sundowns could edge closer to a record-extending ninth consecutive title, while Chiefs could consolidate third place on the log.
Sundowns are deserved favourites for the clash given their form. However, Chiefs cannot afford to be intimidated or haunted by previous league meetings in the nation’s capital – they must take the game to their hosts.
Chiefs also need to trust their ability to go toe-to-toe with Sundowns and push for maximum points, instead of showing the fear or disjointedness as evident in their 2–0 defeat to Siwelele in their last league outing.
They showed in the recent derby that they cannot be bullied by pre-match mind games or superior depth. They stood their ground in the pre-match altercation against Orlando Pirates and managed to neutralise much of their threat on the field.
Admittedly, it took the heroics of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to deny Pirates maximum points in that encounter. However, in Pretoria, Chiefs will need a stronger collective performance.
Sundowns boast significant squad depth and tactical versatility, allowing them to adjust their approach when needed. Any defensive lapse could be punished, meaning Chiefs must remain alert and disciplined as a unit throughout.