New signings give Kaizer Chiefs belief ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns clash

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Derrick Spencer believes Kaizer Chiefs will overcome the challenge of the current league leaders when the sides meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Spencer expects the Soweto club to claim all three points in a fixture that will test the progress made by coach and players during the opening part of the season. Although he accepts the outcome is difficult to predict, he says Kaizer Chiefs would be the more likely winners if the match produces a decisive result.

“I have a feeling we are winning this one as Kaizer Chiefs; we are going to beat Sundowns,” Spencer tells KickOff.

Kaizer Chiefs have made a positive start to the campaign, according to Spencer, despite their disappointing elimination by Golden Arrows in the MTN8 Quarterfinals. He views that result as an isolated setback rather than evidence that the team is struggling.

“Chiefs are not bad this season; we’ve put together a good team, we’ve started off well. We were just unfortunate in the MTN8 Quarterfinals game against Golden Arrows. That was the only letdown.

“Other than that, the boys are gelling well; we do have a chance to win the league this season, to be honest. The only position we still need to strengthen is upfront. We do need a striker.

Spencer believes the additions made by Kaizer Chiefs during the current campaign have given the team enough quality to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns. He identified the players who have arrived at the club as a potential difference-maker in Saturday’s contest, but stressed that the team must remain mentally strong.

“But with the players we have signed, we can put up a fight against Sundowns. They just need to be strong mentally. That’s what we need at Kaizer Chiefs.

The former defender also suggested that a successful league campaign would give the club’s new arrivals a special status among supporters. Kaizer Chiefs have endured periods when results and performances have failed to match expectations, but Spencer says there are encouraging signs in the team’s early form.

“Things haven’t been going our way at Kaizer Chiefs; so the new players will be heroes if Chiefs were to win the league this season. There are some positives in our start, and that gives me hope against Sundowns.”

Mamelodi Sundowns’ visit to FNB Stadium therefore represents a significant opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs to demonstrate whether their improved start can translate into a serious challenge at the top of the table. Spencer’s main reservation remains the need for greater strength in the striker position, but he believes the squad already has the ability to make the contest competitive.

For Spencer, the result will ultimately depend on whether Kaizer Chiefs can maintain their composure and show the mental resilience required against the league leaders.