Chiefs v Sundowns: Gaxa says African champions will reveal title credentials

Kaizer Chiefs’ meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns will provide an early indication of whether the Johannesburg club can challenge for the Betway Premiership title, according to former defender Siboniso Gaxa.

Chiefs have made a perfect start to the league campaign, winning their opening two matches after a 2-0 victory against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. They are the only team to have won both of their matches so far and currently sit top of the standings.

Mamelodi Sundowns have played only once, however, after their scheduled opening fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed. The reigning CAF Champions League winners will now face a Chiefs side that has taken confidence from its early results.

Gaxa has urged caution over suggestions that Chiefs are already involved in the title race, but believes victory against Sundowns would offer a meaningful sign of their potential.

“They’ve won two in a row, you can see what the coach is trying to build and the fact that they are scoring goals is a good positive from the side. It’s a long season, it’s always good to win while you are also progressing. The game itself is a big game, you’re playing Mamelodi Sundowns,” Gaxa said on the Apex Sports International YouTube Channel.

The former Amakhosi defender said it was too soon to make firm predictions about the eventual champions, while acknowledging that a win could put Chiefs among the sides to watch.

“However, regardless of the result, there is not much that you can say these results will give us a sign of who’s going to win the league, it’s too early for that. But it’s also not too early for Chiefs, if they win, you can know that maybe this season they can be in the race, between the two or three teams.”

The match will also test the progress of a youthful Chiefs squad assembled under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Gaxa said the age profile of the team should be considered when assessing its performances and development.

He expects Sundowns to challenge Chiefs in ways their opening fixtures may not have done, particularly in terms of maintaining intensity and quality against one of the strongest teams on the continent.

“But I’m happy with what I’ve seen from Chiefs so far. I’m also happy that the team is full of youngsters, sometimes you forget these things. They’ve got too many youngsters moving forward. And it’s a test for Chiefs, you’re playing African champions, they’re going to be tested.

They need to show us, especially when playing a good side like Sundowns, that they can still keep the same tempo, the same display,” Gaxa added.

Chiefs will welcome Sundowns to the FNB Stadium for the high-profile Betway Premiership fixture on Saturday afternoon.