Independent Newspapers KAIZER Chiefs striker Ashely du Preez has put himself on a goal mission. Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English
In what marks their final match before the first FIFA International break of the year, Kaizer Chiefs will head to Durban this Sunday afternoon to face Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Scheduled for a 3.30pm kick off, The Natal Rich Boys will be looking to disrupt the Glamour Boys' hopes of climbing into the top three by securing a crucial win over the Soweto giants.
Chiefs, still licking their wounds after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, will be eager to bounce back.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay are coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Magesi FC, a team currently struggling to stay afloat towards the bottom of the league.
The first meeting between these two sides saw Chiefs take all three points, defeating the Natal Rich Boyz 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Currently, Amakhosi sit in eighth place on the log with 29 points after 20 games, while Bay are in 12th position with 21 points from the same number of matches.
For Richards Bay, a victory could push them further away from the relegation zone, as they’re just two points above the bottom two.
On the other hand, Chiefs, with their unbeaten streak extended to three matches after the draw with City, will be looking for a win to move closer to the top three.
As the season dwindles to the final segment, pressure is heating up on both benches as coach Nasreddine Nabi looks to avoid an embarrassing consecutive finish outside the top.
For the hosts, Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane have been entrusted with saving the KwaZulu Natal based club’s top flight status.
With just three points separating them from fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC, a win in Durban could be the boost they need.
However, both teams will be without key players. Richards Bay will miss Tlakusani Mthethwa and Keegan Allan due to suspension, while Chiefs are also dealing with a few absences of their own.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is serving a suspension, while Happy Mashiane, Rushwin Dortley, Tashreeq Morris, and Samkelo Zwane are sidelined with injuries.
Chiefs also confirmed that Rushwin Dortley, who underwent knee surgery, will be out for a while, adding to their injury woes.
Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Thabiso Kutumela has been in fine form, scoring the winner against Sekhukhune United last week. He will be vital for Richards Bay’s attack as they aim for another upset.
Since joining Amakhosi in January, Glody Lilepo has impressed with three goals, one assist, and two Player of the Match awards. He could be the key to unlocking Richards Bay’s defense and pushing Chiefs closer to a much-needed victory.
As both sides gear up for a vital encounter, it promises to be a tense, hard-fought match, with each team desperate for a positive result to kickstart the second half of the season.