Junior Khanye predicts 4-0 Mamelodi Sundowns win over Kaizer Chiefs

Junior Khanye expects Mamelodi Sundowns to beat Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 in the Carling Knockout semi-final and says the Pretoria-based side will not concede their place in the final.

The Premier Soccer League draw has set up a high-profile meeting between the two clubs, with a revitalised Kaizer Chiefs travelling to Tshwane to face the domestic champions.

Sundowns will take confidence from their most recent Carling Knockout meeting with Chiefs. They won 4-0 in the quarter-finals of the competition in late 2024, giving them a psychological advantage before this latest contest.

Khanye believes Chiefs’ recent victories have not yet demonstrated that they are ready to overcome Sundowns.

“Now it’s a reality check for Chiefs, how they win their matches leaves me with many questions,” Khanye told KickOff.

He also pointed to Sundowns’ motivation after their recent setbacks, saying the club would be under pressure to deliver in this competition.

“Coming up against a Sundowns side that is out of the Champions League, lost the Super Cup, they know they will be expected to win this Carling Knockout,” he said.

Khanye went on to make a firm prediction about the semi-final, insisting Sundowns would progress comfortably.

“Sundowns will go all the way, I suspect a 4-0 score line against Kaizer Chiefs. It won’t be less than three goals. 4-0 or 3-0. Chiefs will not beat Sundowns in Pretoria.”

Although he acknowledged that some Chiefs players have been performing well individually, Khanye questioned whether the team has developed enough cohesion to challenge Sundowns.

“Individually Kaizer Chiefs are playing well, but as a team there is no chemistry yet, there is no rhythm,” he said.

The other semi-final will see Orlando Pirates take on Stellenbosch. Khanye expects Pirates to advance, but warned that Gavin Hunt’s approach could make the match difficult.

“Gavin Hunt will play counter-attack. But still, Pirates will go through, they have too much quality. They are going to win 1-0,” he said.

Khanye therefore expects a final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with Sundowns winning the trophy.

“Sundowns will go to the final with Pirates. And Sundowns will take the cup.”