Kaizer Chiefs will take Orlando Pirates on in the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday, looking to get the season off to the perfect start. SoccerClub writer DEAN WORKMAN identifies five players who will be key if they are to slay their recent demons against their old foes.
Amakhosi endured a torrid 2018-19 season when they extended their trophy drought to four seasons while also finishing outside the top 9 in the league for the first time in years.
Last season, though, Chiefs had a terrible pre-season as then coach Giovanni Solinas was appointed only a couple of weeks before the season, leaving him with little time to prepare his team.
This resulted in a slow start which eventually cost the Italian his job as he was replaced by Ernst Middendorp in December.
The German coach will now be looking to get off to a good start and has the perfect opportunity against fellow Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.
Middendorp, however, is not in charge of his side as the fans take control in the Carling Black Label Cup.
Here are five players who have been voted into the starting XI and will prove vital for Chiefs in the clash:
1) Khama Billiat
The Zimbabwean is undoubtedly Chiefs’ star man and a lot will again be expected of the forward against Pirates on Saturday.
Fresh off his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations, Billiat will be looking to use his speed and skill to unlock an experienced and well-drilled Pirates backline.
2) Lazarous Kambole
One of the new arrivals at Naturena, the highly rated Kambole will be expected to hit the ground running at Chiefs.
The striker has been subjected to a lot of fanfare since his arrival and will be looking to become an instant cult hero by help firing his new side past their old foes.
3) George Maluleka
The combative midfielder played an important role for Chiefs since the arrival of Middendorp half-way through last season.
Maluleka will be vital in not only breaking up play in the midfield – against a Pirates team who love to dominate possession – but he will also have to use the ball wisely when he receives if Chiefs are going to cause the Buccaneers any problems.
4) Joseph Molangoane
Molangoane suffered a nasty ankle break back in August 2018 but after almost a year he is back to full fitness after a big pre-season and fans have given him a chance to impress Middendorp and stake a claim for a team place.
The 31-year-old winger will be looking to expose Pirates out wide while combining with the likes of Billiat and Kambole to cause Pirates problems.
5) Siphelele Ntshangase
Ntshangase may be a fan favourite at Naturena but he has struggled to convince Middendorp that he is worthy of a place in the team.
His popularity, though, has provided him with a golden chance to showcase his abilities against the biggest of opponents on Saturday.
Ntshangase will need to take care of the ball in possession by both keeping it simple and recycling possession while also keeping an eye out for those killer through-balls he has become known for.
