Confident Kaizer Chiefs set sight on Zesco United clash amid purple patch

A confident Kaizer Chiefs side is on the loose across the board this year, and such is their predatory urge and instinct that they are already gearing up for their next target — Zesco United.

Chiefs have made a fine start to the second half of the season. They have won all three matches on the bounce, beating Lamontville Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, while also getting their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign up and running with a win over Zesco away from home.

That impressive restart has put Amakhosi in a favourable position. They currently sit second in the league after the halfway mark with 30 points, two behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have also played 15 matches.

side is on the loose across the board this year, and such is their predatory urge and instinct that they are already gearing up for their next target — Zesco United.

Chiefs have made a fine start to the second half of the season. They have won all three matches on the bounce, beating Lamontville Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, while also getting their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign up and running with a win over Zesco away from home.

That impressive restart has put Amakhosi in a favourable position. They currently sit second in the league after the halfway mark with 30 points, two behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have also played 15 matches.

While there is still half a season to go before the league concludes, some Amakhosi supporters and pundits believe Chiefs are well placed for a serious title challenge for the first time in six years, despite stiff competition from rivals Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Chiefs also stand a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of continental football after their first-leg-victory over Zesco. They are third in Group C with four points, just one and two behind second-and first-placed Zamalek and Al Masry respectively after the first three rounds of matches.

The club is buoyant following its upward trajectory, with the decision to retain the bulk of the squad and avoid new signings for the second half of the season appearing to pay off. While Chiefs may not always play their best football, they have shown an ability to grind out results.

“We started the year well — we are winning our games, which is what matters most,” midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo said. “We are happy, confident, and certainly looking forward to our next game.”

Chiefs’ next fixture is at home against Zesco at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday (3pm kick-off). A win would put further pressure on Egyptian duo Al Masry and Zamalek, who face each other in their own return-leg encounter on Sunday.

Amakhosi head into their clash as favourites. They are riding high, and the fact that they ended the drought for South African teams winning away to Zesco will serve as added motivation.

Ahead of this crucial continental encounter, Chiefs’ co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef made six changes to the side that beat Gallants 1-0 in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night, managing player workloads after extensive travel. This included starting Ngcobo ahead of Siphesihle Ndlovu in midfield.

With the rested regulars expected to return against Zesco in Durban, Ngcobo believes Chiefs can prevail in what he expects to be a tough contest, especially with home advantage and the “12th man” behind them.

“I don’t think it will be an easy game,” Ngcobo conceded. “We have to fight like we did in the first leg. We are playing at home now, so I think we have the advantage. We just need to make sure we win the game.”

Chiefs will be expected to do just that. Although they have won all three matches since the restart by 1-0 scorelines, their rock-solid defence has been their strongest asset. They will be eager to chase another clean sheet, frustrate Zesco, and ultimately secure all three points.