Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to keep pace with the pioneers when they travel to Moses Mabida Stadium for a DSTV Premiership clash with Golden Arrows on Saturday. Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs South African Premiership. Amakhosi had a slow start to the campaign under Arthur Zawan, losing three of their first five matches before the World Cup break.
The Glamor Boys have lost just once in their last eight games and a morale-boosting 1-0 win over rivals Orlando Pirates last time out saw them move up to fourth in the table.
Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs South African Premiership
Chiefs trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by seven points but are just two behind second-placed Richards Bay and Zwan wants his side to pick up where they left off in the Soweto derby to challenge the top two.
Watch Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs Live Free
Watch Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs Live Free
“We are coming back from a long, unusual break at this point in the season so it will be a case of adaptation and a change of mindset from our players,” he said.
“We want to continue where we left off in performance, hoping that we have the same rhythm as we started to get to know each other better. The chemistry is also getting better, as is the attitude of the players was also key.
“We were building good momentum and now have to start fresh. What’s important now is to try to grind out the results the way we played our last match. It won’t be easy.”
At a Glance Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs
Abafana Bes’thende have blown hot and cold this term so far and they will be looking for more consistency in the new year.
Vusumuji Vilakazi’s side snapped a four-game winless run with a 2-0 KZN derby win over Maritzburg United as they head into the six-week break.
The Arrows pulled off a surprise double over the Chiefs last term, winning 1-0 away from home before running out 2-1 winners in Durban.
Vilakaji outlined the areas where they have struggled at times and will use the break to address these issues in the hope of pushing them further up the table from their current position of eighth.
“We suffered from conceding silly goals,” he said. “We’ve always dominated every game we’ve played but possession doesn’t win you games.
“You have to score goals, you have to make sure that you are strong defensively. You have to have the right structure so that the opponent does not have the opportunity to attack our team.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
GOLDEN ARROWS
Pule Momodi: The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has played a key role for the Arrows this season, scoring four goals and scoring in the winners against Amazulu and Chippa United, as well as providing one assist in his 13 appearances. Mmodi has already equaled his tally last term and is two goals shy of recording his best game in a campaign.
Velemseni Ndwandwe: The 26-year-old winger has been another regular feature for Abafana Besethende this season and leads his side in assists with three. Ndwandwe equalized in a 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallant on 13 August and is expected to make a bigger impact up front for the Arrows in 2023.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenimana: The 25-year-old Burundi international hit the ground running at Chiefs following his arrival in August, scoring six goals in six appearances before a thigh injury ruled him out of the last two games in October. Bimenyimana has made a good impact for the Glamor Boys with his physical presence and will be a real handful for the Arrows this weekend if he makes his return.
Ashley du Preez: Much was expected of the 25-year-old striker following his off-season switch from Stellenbosch but he has lacked confidence in the final third and has found the back of the net just twice in 10 league appearances. Outing Du Preez positioned himself well inside the area and Zwan will work on his finishing during the break to improve his skills in the second half of the campaign.
Prediction Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs South African Premiership
We Say Golden Arrows 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs