Kaizer Chiefs will host Cape Town City in the South African Premiership at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. The Glamour Boys are chasing an MTN8 spot, while the Citizens are looking to spoil the party.
Kaizer Chiefs (1.84) have struggled against Cape Town City (4.60) in recent years, winning only once in their last nine meetings. However, they are coming off a 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup and are aiming to build momentum. Can they finally shake off their bogey team?
Recent Form
Kaizer Chiefs have won back-to-back games, but their victory over Stellenbosch was controversial. Pule Mmodi scored a stoppage-time goal that incensed Stellenbosch players and their head coach, Steve Barker, due to multiple possible infringements in the build-up. Mfundo Vilakazi then sealed the win on the counter.
“I’m not going to talk about the game… Two years ago in the MTN8 quarter-final, we got a penalty in the 96th minute against Chiefs, at Danie Craven, and it gets overturned,” Barker fumed during his post-match interview on SuperSport TV.
“We play in the final against Pirates, they get a free-kick five metres in advance, it gets given.
“Today, the linesman puts his flag up for a foul on our goalkeeper [ahead of Mmodi’s goal], we can see it was, it gets overturned. So, what can I say? Thank you.”
Cape Town City has had the upper hand against Chiefs in the league. They are unbeaten in their last eight Premiership encounters with Amakhosi. This includes a 1-0 win in January.
Head-to-Head Record
The Citizens have consistently frustrated Chiefs in recent years. Their last three meetings across all competitions have seen two wins and a draw for City. Chiefs’ only recent success came in the MTN8 in 2023.
City’s defensive organisation has been key in these fixtures. They have managed to neutralise Chiefs’ attacking threats and hit them on the break. Muhsin Ertugral’s inside knowledge of Amakhosi adds another layer to their tactical setup.
Key Players
Ashley du Preez’s return to full fitness is a boost for Chiefs. His pace and movement can trouble City’s backline. Yusuf Maart and Thabo Cele will need to control the midfield battle.
Cape Town City could look to Thulani Serero for creativity. Jaedin Rhodes and Darwin González will also play important roles in the attack. If Darren Keet has a strong game in goal, City’s defensive streak against Chiefs may continue.
Team News
Chiefs’ Rushwin Dortley has been nursing a minor injury. Head coach Nasreddine Nabi is hopeful that he will be fit. Wandile Duba and Sibongiseni Mthethwa are available for selection, while Bruce Bvuma is expected to start in goal. Edmilson Dove and Inácio Miguel should continue in central defence, with Reeve Frosler likely at right-back. Mduduzi Shabalala and Makabi Lilepo could feature in the attacking midfield roles, supporting du Preez up front.
For City, Serero is still working towards full-match fitness. Ertugral may need to decide whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Conclusion: Can Chiefs Break the Curse?
The statistics from past head-to-head matches favour Cape Town City. They have dominated this fixture in the league and will take confidence from past results. Chiefs must show they have truly turned the corner.
Nevertheless, Chiefs have a better overall record in the league and are favourites as per the soccer betting odds.
Amakhosi’s home advantage and attacking threats give them a chance. However, City’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline make them a tough opponent. This match will provide a crucial test for both sides.
Kick-off is set for 7:30 PM CAT.
