Kaizer Chiefs are set to face Chippa United in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:30, and both teams are looking to improve their standings in the league.
The Chiefs, known as the Glamour Boys, are currently positioned eighth in the league table with 30 points after 24 matches. Their journey this season has been tumultuous, marked by a recent drought of victories in the league. They have not won in their last four matches, suffering defeats against Golden Arrows and Richards Bay FC, while managing draws against Cape Town City FC and TS Galaxy. Their last league win came against Magesi FC in the first week of March.
Despite their league struggles, the Chiefs are riding high after a significant victory in the Nedbank Cup semi-final last weekend, where they triumphed over Mamelodi Sundowns. This win has propelled them into the final, where they will meet their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates, at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10, 2025. The upcoming match against Chippa United serves as a critical opportunity for the team to regain momentum and confidence.
Chippa United, on the other hand, are in ninth place, just one point behind the Chiefs. They come into this match on a three-match unbeaten run, although their last outing ended in a goalless draw against Golden Arrows. The Chilli Boys will be eager to capitalize on the Chiefs' current struggles and secure a victory that could see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.
This encounter marks the third meeting between the two sides this season, with the Chiefs having won both previous clashes—one in the league and another in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup. The Chiefs will be looking to continue this trend and assert their dominance over Chippa United.
As for the line-ups, the Chiefs will feature goalkeeper Bvuma, along with defenders Solomons, Kwinika, Dove, and Cross. The midfield will include Maart, Cele, and Sirino, with Mmodi, Duba, and Morris leading the attack. The substitutes for the Chiefs include Petersen, Mashiane, McCarthy, Blom, Matlou, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Du Preez, and Lilepo.
In the midst of these developments, former AS FAR assistant coach Jamil Benouahi has publicly expressed his desire to take over the head coaching role at Kaizer Chiefs. He believes he could significantly improve the team’s performance and restore it to its former glory. "To be honest, I’m very obsessed with a good project with a vision, so I would like to coach a team like Kaizer Chiefs," Benouahi stated. "I mean, this is a big club, and they should be on top of the league, not where they are now. I would be happy to come, implement new things, and work on the behaviour and attitude of players. Once you have your players and everyone thinking the same and having the same targets, I’m 100% sure that Kaizer Chiefs will be at the top."
Benouahi’s comments reflect the frustrations many fans have regarding the current state of the team. The Chiefs last captured a major trophy during the 2014/15 season under coach Stuart Baxter, winning the league title and the MTN8 trophy. Since then, the club has faced challenges in replicating that success, leading to significant changes in the technical team, including the appointment of Nasreddine Nabi as head coach at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Nabi's tenure has been met with mixed results. While the team showed promise with their recent cup performance, their league form has raised concerns among supporters. The pressure is mounting for the coaching staff to deliver results, especially with the upcoming Nedbank Cup final on the horizon.
The Chiefs have a rich history and a passionate fan base that expects nothing less than excellence. The clash against Chippa United presents a pivotal moment for the team as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the league while also preparing for the cup final. Fans will be hoping for a strong performance that can reignite their title ambitions.
As the teams prepare for this exciting fixture, both sides will be keen to secure a vital three points. For the Chiefs, a win would not only help them solidify their position in the league but also boost morale heading into the cup final. For Chippa United, a victory could provide the momentum needed to climb the table and establish themselves as contenders.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove their worth, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Kaizer Chiefs can overcome their recent setbacks and deliver a performance worthy of their storied legacy.
