Dumitru puts title defence on the back burner

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ted Dumitru wants us to believe that he has not yet started thinking about defending the PSL championship.

Dumitru says the reason behind his thinking is that there is still a lot of football to be played before the season comes to an end in three months' time.

Talking after their impressive 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend, Rumanian-born Dumitru said they were taking each game as it came.

"I honestly believe that it's too early to start talking about defending our championship because anything can still happen."

"There are going to be upsets along the way that will have an effect on everybody," he said.

Chiefs were on top of their game at the weekend with their ace striker, Collins Mbesuma, the most impressive with a devastating hat-trick.

With Loftus and Sundowns convincingly conquered, Dumitru's focus is now on SuperSport United, a side that's often a major hurdle for Chiefs, at Soccer City on Wednesday (7.30pm).

The two teams last met in the Coca-Cola Cup final played at Bloemfontein in December and it was Mbesuma's lone strike that won the game for Chiefs.

United will be looking for revenge after that defeat, but their mission is not going to be an easy one.

Key for both teams will be how Mbesuma and United defender Siboniso Gaxa play.

They once again face-off in what is becoming a fierce personal duel won by Mbesuma in the final.

The Zambian international attacker capitalised on Gaxa's rare loss of concentration to help Chiefs to their third Coke Cup triumph in four seasons.

Gaxa and Mbesuma both go into this eagerly awaited clash enjoying a good run of form.

Mbesuma will lead Dumitru's attack partnered by either Shongwe Chalwe or David Radebe.

This means he will again come face to face with Gaxa, who will be employed by coach Pitso Mosimane together with captain Ricardo Katza in central defence.

Dumitru face United without instrumental midfielder Emmanuel Ngobese, who is suspended after getting a red card against Sundowns at the weekend.

Ngobese is always a handful and his absence will be welcomed by Themba Mnguni or Phil Evans depending on who Mosimane picks at right back.

Mosimane will be the happier coach as there are no forced changes after their game against Moroka Swallows on Sunday.

The casualty list remains Abram Raselemane, Kaitano Tembo, Mandla Zwane and Cavann Sibeko who are yet to see official action this year.

During their absence, Mosimane has resorted to youngsters such as midfielders Sibusiso Mahlangu, Daine Klate, Richard Rantjie and to date they have not disappointed.

PSL fixtures

Wednesday: Kaizer Chiefs v SuperSport United (Soccer City, 7.30pm)

Santos v Ajax Cape Town (Athlone Stadium 8pm)

Absa Cup fixtures

Friday:

BidVest Wits v Sasolburg Juventus (BidVest, 8pm)

Saturday:

Ledwaba Power Stars v Mamelodi Sundowns (HM Pitje); Bush Bucks v Bloemfontein Celtic (Absa Stadium, East London); Bilika Stars v Kaizer Chiefs (Giyani); Golden Arrows v Jomo Cosmos (King Zwelithini Stadium); Tornado v Louisvale Pirates (Siza Dukashe Stadium); SuperSport United v Hellenic (Caledonian); Moroka Swallows v Ajax Cape Town (Rand Stadium); Manning Rangers v Pietersburg Pillars (Chatsworth, 8pm)

Sunday:

Orlando Pirates v Silvers Stars (Johannesburg Stadium); Dynamos v Durban Stars (Giyani Stadium); Peoples Bank Spurs v Uthukela (Van Riebeeck Stadium); Dangerous Darkies v Maritzburg United (Ka-Nyamazane); Winners Park v Cemforce (Seshego Stadium). Kick-off 3.15pm unless stated.