Kaizer Chiefs are undertaking wholesale changes at the end of this campaign. As many as six perhaps even seven first-team players are likely to leave the premises.
Half a dozen Amakhosi stars leaving?
Naturena will be a place of upheaval this June with seven players seeing their contracts expire. Club captain Itumeleng Khune, central defender Njabulo Ngcobo, utility fullback Happy Mashiane, veteran left-back Sifiso Hlanti, experienced central midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe, talented playmaker George Matlou and goal-shy striker Jasond Gonzalez are all in with a chance of leaving. Gonzalez will certainly depart after failing to break his scoring duck in 12 appearances for the club, while it’s unlikely many of the others will be retained.
Image via Kaizer Chiefs on X
MISFIRING CHIEFS NEED NEW LIFE IN THEIR ATTACK
The Glamour Boys have fired blanks in their last two league encounters, a 0-0 draw with Cape Town City and an underwhelming 1-0 defeat away to Stellenbosch. Du Preez, Shabalala, Mmodi and Duba started against the Citizens with an overly defensive midfield duo of Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siyethemba Sithebe behind them. Manager Cavin Johnson persisted with that exact front six combination against Stellies and it didn’t work. Changes have to be made. Could Johnson opt for the most expansive midfield skills of Edson Castillo at the expense of Sithebe? Could Mduduzi Mdantsane’s creative skills also be useful here?
The returning Thatayaone Ditlhokwe might not be ready to start a match but perhaps it’s a risk worth taking.
CHIPPA VS CHIEFS KEY INFO
Chippa picked up a much-needed win last time out against Cape Town Spurs. Unbelievably, a win for the Chilli Boys here would take them to just a point behind Chiefs with seven matches left of the campaign. Amakhosi are now under threat from 10th-placed Polokwane who can leapfrog the Glamour Boys with a win in their game in hand against Royal AM on Sunday, should Chiefs lose against Chippa. Kickoff in East London is at 15:00 on Saturday 5 April.
Can the Glamour Boys pick up a much-needed win and keep in touch for a top-two finish? Is a top eight finish as good as they can hope for? Let us know in the comments.
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