Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns: Khanye and Vilakazi back visitors to win

Junior Khanye and Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi have both backed Mamelodi Sundowns to beat Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium.

Vilakazi has predicted a 2-0 victory for Sundowns, while former Chiefs winger Khanye believes the visitors will win either 2-0 or 2-1. Their forecasts come after both clubs recorded victories in their previous league matches, with Chiefs defeating Sekhukhune United and Sundowns overcoming TS Galaxy.

The two sides could not be separated in either of their meetings last season. Their first-round encounter in Soweto ended goalless, before the return fixture in Pretoria finished 1-1.

Vilakazi, who previously played for Chiefs, said the club’s midweek performance had left him doubtful about their chances against the reigning champions.

“After the MTN 8 game and Wednesday game against TS Galaxy I don’t think Kaizer Chiefs can stop this team,” said Tso oniDiski TV.

The former midfielder praised Sundowns’ squad depth and highlighted the impact of their substitutions during the victory over TS Galaxy.

“They’ve got good players who played well, especially against TS Galaxy because TS Galaxy always gives them a headache but he brought on some changes.

“Well done to coach Cardoso for bringing on [Siphelele] Mkhulise, [Cassius] Mailula. Sundowns are going for a kill.

“Sundowns are not that great in terms of defending but it depends on who’s going to force them to make mistakes. Do Kaizer Chiefs have those players that can force Mamelodi Sundowns to make mistakes, I don’t think so.

“If Chiefs is not going to do a low block and try to win all the duels I don’t think they will survive. The game will end 2-0 for Sundowns.”

Vilakazi’s assessment was based largely on Sundowns’ quality in possession and their ability to bring influential players into the game from the bench. He also suggested that Chiefs would need to defend compactly and compete successfully in individual battles if they were to avoid defeat.

Khanye agreed that Sundowns have the stronger squad, although he expects the atmosphere at FNB Stadium to give Chiefs an added boost. He believes the home side’s supporters could play an important role in the contest, while also warning that Sundowns may restore several key players to their starting line-up.

“I know Chiefs get motivated in such games, their fans become the 12th player,” added Khanye.

“But in terms of quality Sundowns is ahead of Kaizer Chiefs. Sundowns will have a changed mind-set, the likes of Aubrey [Modiba] will come back, you might be surprised to see Tebza [Teboho Mokoena] back because they rested him for the last game.

“You can’t compare the midfield of Sundowns and Chiefs and up front they have Mailula. So I agree with Tso the game can be 2-0 or 2-1 but Sundowns will win it.”

The match represents another test for Chiefs against one of the leading teams in the Betway Premiership. The previous two meetings suggest a closely contested fixture, but both analysts feel Sundowns’ greater depth and midfield quality will prove decisive.

Tso and Khanye’s full predictions for the Betway Premiership meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are available on the official IDiski TV YouTube channel.