Chiefs, SSU hope to put stutter behind them
After a stumbling start to the season, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United hope to start building some momentum in Absa Premiership midweek action on Wednesday.
Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela is under increasing pressure from the Chiefs faithful to start showing a return for their efforts when they host Platinum Stars at their FNB Stadium stronghold on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
After winning the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup, Chiefs have flattered to deceive, losing their PSL opener to Bidvest Wits and then stumbling against Cape Town City in the MTN8.
By the same token, Matasatasantsa, under the whip of astute championship-winning coach and former Chiefs mentor Stuart Baxter, are unlikely to have it their own way against Dan Malesela's ambitious Chippa United outfit at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (Kick-off 7.30pm).
Big things were expected from the Tshwane giants with a sizeable cheque book this season, but they have also come up a blank in these early days.
They began with a 1-0 loss to Platinum Stars in the Absa Premiership and also ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard in a 3-1 defeat to Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the country's lucrative Top 8 competition.
Komphela feels it is now important that his side bounce back.
“Apart from this being the first home game, it is our second league match of the season,” he told the club’s website. “At some point, we have to send a strong message to the opponents.”
Having been out of action for the international break, Komphela admits there is always the concern that players may not be as sharp as they should be, but says this is not an excuse.
“You will never know where you exactly stand until you go through the match,” he said. “You don’t want to come up with excuses because all the teams went through the same period. We must just guard that the break won’t affect us negatively.
“We saw them (Stars) play against Chippa (in the MTN8. When teams play us, they often look different. It is a known fact, as they will be playing Chiefs tomorrow. There will be that individual desire to play at a big stage. For most teams, this is an important date in the fixtures calendar.
“We have a few niggling injuries,” he explained. “The medical team will give us an indication on Emmanuel Letlotlo, but Keagan Buchanan will not be rushed to play in this one.”
Platinum Stars are something of a bogey team to Chiefs. Last season Platinum Stars were too good for Chiefs, winning 2-1 away and 2-0 at home in the league.
Mamelodi Sundowns' busy September spree and heavy fixture load continues tonight when they visit Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Wednesday Fixtures (All kick-off at 19h30)
Kaizer Chiefs vs Platinum Stars (FNB Stadium)
SuperSport United vs Chippa United (Lucas Moripe Stadium)
Golden Arrows vs Cape Town City (Prince Magogo Stadium)
FS Stars vs Bloemfontein Celtic (Goble Park)
Maritzburg Utd vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Harry Gwala)