Kaizer Chiefs’ perfect start faces major Mamelodi Sundowns test

Kaizer Chiefs’ winning start to the Betway Premiership will be put under its biggest test so far when they face Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, with supporters increasingly confident that Amakhosi can overcome the reigning African champions.

The club has taken maximum points from its opening two league matches, moving to the top of the table after victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United. Kaizer Chiefs began the campaign with a 3-1 win against Kruger United before recording a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United.

That early form has lifted expectations among the club’s fans ahead of a fixture that is traditionally one of the most closely watched in South African football. The question now is whether Kaizer Chiefs can maintain their perfect record against a Mamelodi Sundowns side packed with high-profile players.

Mamelodi Sundowns also opened their campaign with a win, beating TS Galaxy 3-2. Their result means both teams enter the contest with confidence and three points already secured from their first match of the season.

Meetings between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are usually played at a high intensity, and a strong attendance is expected in Soweto for Saturday’s encounter. The match represents an early statement opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs, who have made the ideal start under coach Fernando Da Cruz.

However, Da Cruz has questioned the timing of such an important fixture. He is also unhappy with the amount of recovery time available to his side during a busy opening period of the season.

“It is a little bit disappointing; this match comes too early,” Da Cruz said. “We are the only team in the PSL scheduled to play three matches in six days, while others play three in seven. That means we have one less day of recovery,” said Da Cruz.

His comments highlight the physical challenge facing Kaizer Chiefs after two matches in the opening stages of the campaign. Despite the compressed schedule and the quality of the opposition, morale within the squad remains positive.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Anele Velebayi acknowledged the scale of the challenge during the team’s pre-match press conference, describing Mamelodi Sundowns as African champions.

“We are playing against African champions, so I can imagine how tough it is going to be,” Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Anele Velebayi told the media during their pre-match press conference.

“However, we are entering this game with confidence off the back of our recent wins.”

The fixture therefore brings together a Kaizer Chiefs side at the top of the table after two victories and a Mamelodi Sundowns team that has also begun with a win. For Amakhosi, success would extend their perfect opening and strengthen the belief generated by their victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United.

TimesLIVE