Monyane says Kaizer Chiefs know how to expose Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane says his side are aware of Mamelodi Sundowns’ weaknesses and believes their recent progress gives them a genuine chance of beating the reigning league champions at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The two teams meet in a highly anticipated Betway Premiership fixture, with Amakhosi seeking to maintain their perfect start to the season against a Sundowns side that has dominated South African football in recent years.

Monyane spoke to the media at Naturena on Thursday and said Kaizer Chiefs’ preparations had included identifying areas in which their opponents could be vulnerable. The 26-year-old also pointed to the team’s improved performances since last season as a reason for optimism.

The former Orlando Pirates defender drew particular encouragement from the two draws Kaizer Chiefs recorded against Mamelodi Sundowns last term. In his view, those results showed that the gap between the clubs had begun to close.

“Coming in from last season, look, we drew with Sundowns twice. All I can say is that there is improvement, and we know their strengths, we know their weaknesses and we look to keep up on that,” Monyane told the media.

His comments underline the confidence within the Kaizer Chiefs camp before a fixture that could provide an early indication of their ambitions this season. Rather than approaching the match with an inferiority complex, Amakhosi believe their progress has equipped them to challenge Sundowns.

Kaizer Chiefs have taken maximum points from their first two league matches, giving them the ideal platform before Saturday’s meeting. A victory would strengthen their early position and provide a notable statement against the reigning champions.

Monyane also called on the club’s supporters to fill FNB Stadium and help create the atmosphere he believes could influence the result. He described the fixture as a major occasion and said the backing of the fans remained central to the team’s efforts.

“It’s a very interesting game, a very big clash. Look, I urge supporters of Kaizer Chiefs to come out in their numbers and support us. They really mean a lot to us, you know, they push us and give us that match-winning spirit. Look, we want them to come out in their numbers and support us,” Monyane pleaded.

The defender’s appeal comes as Kaizer Chiefs prepare to face the strongest test of their early campaign. Their two victories have supplied momentum, while the previous season’s meetings with Sundowns have given them evidence that the contest can be closely fought.

With both sides now preparing for their encounter at FNB Stadium, Monyane’s message is clear: Kaizer Chiefs respect Mamelodi Sundowns’ strengths, but believe they have studied their weaknesses closely enough to compete for all three points.