Can Kaizer Chiefs avoid a cup hangover against Sekhukhune United?
Gaston Sirino Gaston Sirino must bring the gas to ignite Kaizer Chiefs' engine room against Sekhukhune United. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Fresh off their Nedbank Cup triumph, Kaizer Chiefs are riding a wave of optimism, but Sekhukhune United are determined to be the storm cloud that threatens to rain on their parade in today's Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium.
The teams enter the match with contrasting Premiership scenarios.
Sekhukhune are on a five-match unbeaten run, which includes a win over highly fancied Orlando Pirates, while Chiefs are seeking to recover from a five-match winless streak.
Currently seated third on the standings, Sekhukhune hold a one-point cushion over fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC.
The pressure is on as they vie for a coveted CAF Confederation Cup spot with only two matches remaining.
Chiefs recently found their winning touch, edging out Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last week, but their dreadful league form has seen them suffer two consecutive defeats before this match.
Currently in ninth place, Chiefs are locked in a fierce battle for a top-eight finish, separated by just three points from Polokwane City.
The teams have players returning from suspension that may influence the outcome.
Sekhukhune will welcome back influential midfielder Sikhosonke Langa, but must fill the void left by their leading marksman, Chibuike Ohizu, who is suspended.
Chiefs will be bolstered by the return of hardworking defender Bradley Cross, although they will miss defensive stalwart Inacio Miguel through suspension.
Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler has expressed his ambition to propel the team to continental football. 'I joined for that reason, to qualify for a CAF tournament, to be honest,' he said.
'Our target is to finish in the top three or top four. Achieving this would be a massive milestone for Sekhukhune.'
On the other side, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi remains resolute, stressing the importance of securing points against challenging opponents.
'We believe the season is not done yet. We have to fight with the same effort (as in the Nedbank final) in our last two games against difficult opponents, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United,' he said.
'Finishing in the top eight is now our objective.'
Sekhukhune's Keletso Makgalwa, who is fresh off being named the Premiership Player of the Month for April, will be the key player for the visitors.
His recent performances have created a buzz, and Sekhukhune hope his form will be the difference-maker in the match.
Makgalwa leads the league with 11 assists this season.
Uruguayan Gaston Sirino, a quintessential component of Chiefs' attacking strategy, is the team's leading scorer with four goals and six assists this season.
He can turn the tide when the Amakhosi are under pressure, and has an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net when it matters most.
Still buzzing from Chiefs' triumph last weekend, defender Zitha Kwinika's hunger for more silverware drives him to power the club into the top eight.
Kwinika said: 'I'm still happy and excited, because it is something we have all been looking for.
'It has lifted a bit of weight from us, but we are professionals at the end of the day.
'We must celebrate and then look to what is ahead. We still have a job at hand.
'We know we can't celebrate forever, but we take this good feeling as the start of better things, and the road to winning more trophies starts on Saturday against Sekhukhune.'
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