Willard Katsande
Kaizer Chiefs will be eyeing nothing but an Absa Premiership win over Baroka FC when they host them at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban today.
Kick-off is at 19:30pm.
Amakhosi are coming off a goalless away draw with their fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in their previous league game which was played last week Saturday.
The draw ended the Soweto giants’ four match winning run in the league. Since losing their first league game of the season they went on to register four wins and two draws.
Chiefs are sitting at the top of the Absa Premiership standings with 14 points from 7 games. They are only ahead of second-placed Golden Arrows on goal difference.
George Maluleka’s return from suspension has given Steve Komphela’s side a timely boost ahead of tonight’s league encounter.
Amakhosi coach Komphela named Keagan Buchanan in his starting line-up against Pirates and the midfielder is now looking forward to facing Baroka.
“Playing Baroka in Durban is another massive match to look forward to. We will not underestimate them,” Buchanan said.
“We also can’t take them for granted. Judging by their form you see that they deserve to be in the big league.
“We’re going there to fulfil our mandate. We’re preparing to win the match and play good football on Wednesday. (today)”
Meanwhile, Baroka will be keen to extend their unbeaten run in the league when they lock horns with an in-form Chiefs side in Durban.
Bakgaga are coming off a 2-2 home stalemate with Polokwane City in their previous league encounter which was played last week Saturday.
Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring for Bakgaga a few minutes into the first-half, while Tshepiso Lietsisa snatched a late equaliser for the home side.
This was the Limpopo side’s second league draw of the season. They have also recorded three defeats and two wins in the league, but they are undefeated in their last three competitive matches.
Baroka are placed eighth on the Absa Premiership standings with eight points from seven games. They are only a point behind eighth-placed Chippa United.
Bakgaga head coach Kgokolo Thobejane is most likely to look to in-form Marshall Munetsi today. The midfielder has netted three goals in his last three competitive games.
Despite Baroka’s current unbeaten run, their key midfielder Jacky Motshegwa is not getting carried away ahead of their epic clash with Amakhosi.
“I can’t say we’re doing well at the moment. There are still a few aspects we need to work on,” Motshegwa said.
“We’re starting to score goals, which is a positive sign. We’ve learnt from past games,” the former Bloemfontein Celtic star added.
This will be the first ever meeting between Chiefs and Absa Premiership rookies Baroka in the top flight league. – SuperSport