Kaizer Chiefs: One star in, one star out

It’s been another season of ups and downs for Kaizer Chiefs, but it would be a major highlight if they are able to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. Kick off is at 15:30 on Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi will be delighted to have Edmilson Dove available for this clash as the Mozambique international has now fully recovered from injury.

Nabi has been unable to utilise the experienced defender all season after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during pre-season training camp in Turkiye, but he has now made a timely return to selection contention, although it’s quite likely that he will need to be gradually reintroduced to action.

Although Dove’s availability is a boost for Chiefs, the Glamour Boys will be without a key attacking player as Gaston Sirino will have to sit out this match after he picked up a red card in Amakhosi’s last game against SuperSport United.

Can Kaizer Chiefs upset Sundowns?

Chiefs know they face a formidable challenge owhen they make the short trip to Atteridgeville in Tshwane, where the defending champions lie in wait. But Dove, who has seen it all before, remains undaunted by the prospect.

“These are the types of games each and every player wants to be involved in,” he commented. There is no need for any extra motivation. We are all excited. You can see it in the eyes of our players and the work they are putting in this week.”

Although Amakhosi are realistically out of the running for the Betway Premiership title this season, they are through to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup and have a realistic chance of finishing high enough in the league table to qualify for CAF competition in 2025/26.

For Dove and his teammates, the incentive to lift a trophy and secure a place in continental competition is driving them to perform at their peak week in and week out.

“We still have a lot to play for this season and our policy is to take one game at a time, either to get through to the next round of the Cup, or collect as many points as we can in our remaining matches. The vibe throughout the club is positive and highly motivated,” he added.

“Obviously, Sundowns are a good side. They have depth in their squad and have been on a good run, but as far as I am concerned, I don’t worry too much about the opposition because at the end of the day, what matters most is what we do.

“Our purpose is to be at our best to give a good account of ourselves because that is the part we can control. Obviously, we do analysis on our opponents but we primarily focus on our own approach.”

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