Kaizer Chiefs have the chance to do a huge favour for arch Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates when they face Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the headline match in South Africas Betway Premiership this weekend.
Sundowns and Chiefs will meet at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday afternoon, with the Brazilians hoping to add to their 15-point lead over nearest chasers Pirates at the top of the log. Miguel Cardosos team racked up a 17th win from 19 league matches this season when they trumped Sekhukhune United 4-2 away from home on Wednesday evening.
As for the Amakhosi, they desperately need an emphatic response to their last outing a 1-4 humbling at the hands of SuperSport United on February 18 and will be hungry to end an 11-game winless run against Sundowns. But the thought that taking points off the log leaders will directly assist the title hopes of Pirates sums up what a difficult campaign this has been for the team in gold and black.
We cannot always give excuses, but Im very understanding when it comes to my players, said Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi. I understood that they gave their best the previous games and they were tired for the loss to SuperSport. I would like to ask you supporters to be patient with the players as you have been in the happy times do it in the difficult times.
Pirates will have the chance to respond to Sundowns afternoon result when they face Marumo Gallants at the Free State Stadium in the early evening. The last time these teams met, the Buccaneers racked up an epic 8-1 win in December, but they will be without coach Jose Riveiro for this clash, as he will have to watch from the stands due to a one-match suspension.