High-stakes clash: Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United meet in top-of-the-table showdown

Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United will meet in a blockbuster, top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

The two teams are neck and neck on the standings, level on 13 points, with Sekhukhune on top on goal difference after the first five rounds. Both teams have won four games and drawn one so far.

Having scored the most goals — eight compared to Chiefs’ five — Babina Noko will arrive at the Calabash as favorites. They’ll also be motivated by the fact that they’ve already beaten another Soweto giant, Orlando Pirates, at home this season.

Coach Eric Tinkler emphasised that his troops will continue to improve as long as they minimise mistakes, work as a unit, and heed his advice.

Keletso Makgalwa has adhered to the latter, as he’s slowly getting back to his best after a sluggish start. He registered a hat-trick of assists during their 3-0 win over newcomer Orbit College away from home last month.

Chiefs will not want to succumb to their first defeat at home. However, the Amakhosi faithful may have to wait a little bit longer before marquee signing Khanyisa Mayo is unleashed by Nasreddine Nabi. He only arrived at the club on Thursday on loan from the Algeria-based team CR Belouizda.

Nabi, though, might be tempted to hand midfielder Lebohang Maboe his debut after he returned to the club in the last few weeks following a decorated spell at rival Mamelodi Sundowns. Maboe will add depth and versatility to Chiefs, as he’s able to play in a creative role and score goals.

Chiefs need creativity and goals. Despite being rock-solid in defense — with Brandon Petersen yet to concede since the start — they have struggled in the final third, as their biggest victory was 2-0 over Stellenbosch in the league opener.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu will be eager to add more salt to the wounds of Stellenbosch — who were thrashed 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final in Nelspruit on Saturday night — when the two teams meet at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

Usuthu are well-rested compared to Stellies. Their last encounter was more than two weeks ago when they drew 1-1 with Magesi. Since their worst mistakes often involve dropping points they should easily collect, coach Arthur Zwane must have worked on their shortcomings during the FIFA break.

Zwane impressed at the club last season after finishing in the Top 8, which is why he knows they need to build on that run and aim for an improved finish. There’d be no better opponent to collect points from than Stellenbosch, who have made them their "weeping boys" in the past.

Stellies must also quickly pick themselves up after the MTN8 disappointment. They need points as they are languishing in the bottom half of the log, in 13th place, with only four points.

Meanwhile, Durban City and Chippa United will host Siwelele and Orbit College at Chatsworth Stadium and Buffalo City Municipality Stadium on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday night, Marumo Gallants will be at home to champions Mamelodi Sundowns, while TS Galaxy will want to continue their upward trajectory away to Richards Bay.