Kaizer Chiefs target Golden Arrows victory to maintain title push

Kaizer Chiefs will look to end their final match before the FIFA international break with a win over Golden Arrows on Sunday, as they attempt to remain within reach of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

The match will be played at the neutral Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Chiefs go into the fixture fourth in the league with 12 points, eight behind Sundowns, who have played two more matches.

Amakhosi have made a respectable start to the campaign, although their position could have been stronger. They have drawn three matches against Sundowns, Richards Bay and Polokwane City, with individual errors particularly those involving goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen costing them valuable points.

They also face an opponent who has already caused them problems this season. Golden Arrows knocked Chiefs out of the MTN8 and have continued to impress since appointing Pitso Dladla as coach.

Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu believes his side must be fully prepared for the challenge posed by an Arrows team that prefers to control possession.

“They are such a tricky side because they are a possession-based team,” Ndlovu said. “It is very important for us to stay in the title race, and go into the break in a good mood. So, that’s what we are targeting.”

Chiefs will be without Petersen and striker Wandile Duba after both players suffered injuries in training this week.

Petersen’s absence could give him time to recover his form during the international break, while Duba’s injury interrupts a promising run. The forward has scored three goals in five league appearances this season.

Ndlovu, however, believes the squad has enough depth to cope with the setbacks and said every player must be ready to contribute.

“Obviously, the shortfall of players in the team gives us a little limp, but I think everyone knows that they need to stay ready. The coach always preaches that,” he said. “Every player will need to take part.

“I think this is the moment where I think everyone needs to step in, and showcase what they have. They need to adapt to the structure, and help the team.”

The midfielder stressed that Chiefs cannot afford to surrender more points if they are to remain involved in the title race. He said the priority was to secure the result, regardless of the manner in which it was achieved.

“As I said before, if we are going to stay in the title race, these are the type of games that we need to win,” Ndlovu said. “Whether we grind the result or play well, it doesn’t matter. We need the result at the end of the day.”