Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is expecting nothing less than victory when his side faces Chippa United in the Betway Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening, kick-off set for 17:45 CAT. The match presents Chiefs with the opportunity to redeem themselves and make strides toward climbing the league standings.
The Chiefs have faced significant challenges, having managed to secure only one win from their last five league matches—a narrow victory against Richards Bay back in November. Since then, they have struggled to find their form, settling for several draws. Currently, they sit at ninth place, which is seen as below expectations for one of South Africa's most prestigious football clubs.
Adding to their woes, the Johannesburg-based team is the only side in the top division yet to register a clean sheet this season, having conceded at least one goal in each of their nine fixtures. If they hope to turn their season around, consistent performances are key. Nabi expressed this sentiment, stating, “I want Chiefs supporters and management to be happy by us collecting more points. To collect more points, we need consistent performances in our games.”
Meanwhile, Chippa United enters this encounter with confidence of their own. Sitting sixth on the log, they have won one of their last three matches, the victory coming against Magesi. Their most recent outing, unfortunately, ended in disappointment, losing 1-0 at home to Cape Town City. Chippa head coach Kwanele Kopo aimed to capitalize on Chiefs' misfortunes, emphasizing the importance of getting results not only against bigger clubs but against all rivals. “We need to play well and get a result against Chiefs, but it’s more important for us to get results against everybody else in the league because those are our closest competitors,” Kopo noted.
For the upcoming match, Kopo acknowledged the historical significance of facing the Chiefs, stating, “It’s a big club, and they are behind us on the log for the first time in many, many years. Are Chiefs beatable? I think yes, they are. Anybody in the league is beatable this season.” This perspective reflects the shifting dynamics among South African clubs, particularly against the backdrop of Chiefs’ current struggles.
On the pitch, one of the players to watch for Chiefs will be forward Ashley du Preez, who has scored twice over the past four matches. Ahead of the game, he emphasized the importance of remaining composed: “It’s about being calm. Sometimes as a striker, you make up your mind in front of the box and do what your mind tells you. It either works or it doesn’t.” His focus on calmness could be decisive for Chiefs aiming to boost their goal tally.
For Chippa, attacking midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba has also been impressive this season, having scored two goals so far, including one against Chiefs last season. He hopes to continue his successful streak against Amakhosi, presenting another layer to this heated rivalry.
Historically, the past encounters between these two teams have featured fluctuated results. Chiefs dominated early fixtures over Chippa but stumbled significantly during their most recent outings, including suffering defeats last season. That adds pressure on the Chiefs, as they need to improve not just their standing but also confidence as they move forward.
This match encapsulates the drama of South African football: passionate players, desperate coaches, and the fervent hope of fans. With both teams possessing unique motivations—Chiefs aiming to escape the lower tier of the standings and Chippa seeking to consolidate their position above the table—the stakes couldn't be higher. Who will rise to the occasion?
The answer may very well depend on which side can convert their hopes and strategies onto the score sheet this Sunday.
