Desperate times for Kaizer Chiefs
With Saturday’s TAB Soccer 10 pool expected to top R2-milllion, Chiefs are everything but a banker as they host AmaZulu at Soccer City in search of a first league victory, while English giants Manchester United also face a tough task against Nottingham Forest.
By Mark Gleeson
Two clubs who harbour high hopes of turning the tide are undoubtedly AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs.
They started the new DStv Premiership keen to put a poor campaign behind them.
However, when they clash on Saturday at Soccer City, this encounter will have something of an air of desperation as they both go in search of a first league win of the current campaign.
AmaZulu made clear their ambitions with the hiring of a pedigreed Spanish coach at the start of the season and added some interesting signings to their squad to help Pablo Franco lift the club into the status of contenders.
Similarly, Chiefs’ off-season purchases looked to be a notch up from some of the mediocrity they have bought before recent campaigns, while they also demoted Arthur Zwane and brought in Molefi Ntseki as their new coach.
But as the two sides head to a fourth league game of the campaign, their respective supporters will be wondering if all these changes have indeed changed anything.
Chiefs have a lone point from their first three games, although they did win their MTN8 quarter-final away at Cape Town City. AmaZulu’s opening three fixtures have all ended in goalless draws, leaving Franco admitting he is perplexed and finding it hard to understand.
AmaZulu and Chiefs are giants of the local game but are not living up to the billing. With home advantage, Chiefs should be marginal favourites in what will be their first game at their Soccer City headquarters this season.
Mamelodi Sundowns, already in the lead in the standings, take their 100% record away to Durban tonight as they go up against Richards Bay but will sit out at the weekend.
Stellenbosch, who were particularly impressive in winning their last game at Royal AM in Maritzburg, meet SuperSport United for a second time in three weeks. They first clashed in the MTN8 quarter-final with Stellenbosch scoring a surprise away win in extra time and now they meet in the Winelands in a league fixture.
Stellenbosch look a side who could do some damage this season, full of exciting players with a lot of positive energy.
In England, Brighton & Hove Albion have made a positive start to the new season and they will be fancied at home to West Ham United on Saturday in the Premier League, even if the Hammers had a solid 3-1 win over Chelsea last Sunday despite being down to 10 men.
Champions Manchester City are also two from two in the early stages of the campaign and should have little bother away on Sunday against Sheffield United.
The key game is at St James’ Park where Newcastle have the ability to put one over Liverpool, who have been all but convincing so far.
Do not be surprised either if Manchester United struggle at home against Nottingham Forest when they meet on Saturday.