Kaizer Chiefs head into Sunday’s mammoth clash against Mamelodi Sundowns looking to lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign. SoccerClub writer DEAN WORKMAN has picked out five Chiefs players who could make the difference against Downs.
Chiefs are the current Absa Premiership log leaders and will be looking to hold off second place Sundowns when the two meet on Sunday.
Downs are just two points behind Amakhosi, with a game in hand, but Ernst Middendorp and his chargers will be looking to make a statement against the defending Absa Premiership champions.
If they are to claim the three points the Glamour Boys will have to be at their best and will need their big players to stand up and be counted.
SoccerClub have identified the five Chiefs players who will be vital if they are to defeat the Brazilians.
Khama Billiat
The former Sundowns man ran riot, alongside another former Downs man in Leonardo Castro, when the two sides met in the Shell Helix Cup two weeks ago.
Billiat was brilliant on the day and will be hoping to replicate that performance in their league encounter. The Zimbabwean’s pace and skill will prove a stern test to the Downs backline.
Samir Nurkovic
The Serbian striker has enjoyed a fast start since his arrival at Naturena, but missed the Shell Helix Cup through injury.
He, however, made his return as a substitute against Cape Town City in the Telkom Knockout where he scored a late equaliser as Chiefs went onto win after a penalty shoot-out.
Nurkovic is a monster in the air and has shown his ability of playing as a target man and will have to be on top form to make the difference against the Brazilians.
Daniel Akpeyi
The Nigerian stopper has had his ups and downs at Chiefs but was one of the star men against Cape Town City last time out.
Akpeyi may have a mistake in him but is also capable of pulling off the spectacular and if he is inspired form Masadawana may find it difficult to find a way past the Nigerian.
Eric Mathoho
The Bafana Bafana central defender has had a remarkable start to the campaign after missing most of last season through injury.
Mathoho has been a rock at the back while also proving a threat in the opposition box and in a game which could be decided by tight margins the defender will prove vital in both boxes.
Lebogang Manyama
As with Mathoho, Manyama missed a lot of last season through injury but has started this campaign in fine form scoring three goals and picking up two assists across all competitions.
Manyama’s set piece delivery and ability to pick out a pass will be a lethal weapon as Chiefs look to unlock the Downs backline.
