Kaizer Chiefs eye early edge in Premiership title race

Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Sekhukhune United to the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening (7:30pm kick-off) for a Betway Premiership top-of-the-table showdown, with both sides eager to extend their early momentum from the opening round of fixtures.

Amakhosi have surpassed expectations so far, heading into this crunch clash unbeaten after five matches. They sit second only on goal difference, level on 13 points with Babina Noko, making this encounter a potential decider for the league’s early pace-setter.

The Glamour Boys are seeking to build on last season’s ninth-place finish, and their strong start suggests the team has turned a corner. Signs of improvement are evident, but this contest could be their sternest test yet, particularly after the lengthy international break that interrupted their rhythm.

Sekhukhune, meanwhile, have mirrored Chiefs’ approach, investing heavily in the transfer market and reaping immediate rewards. Having already claimed a statement 1-0 victory over rivals Orlando Pirates away from home, Eric Tinkler’s men arrive full of confidence. 

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, and he acknowledged the experience and pedigree within Babina Noko’s camp.

“If you look at the log now, it’s going to be a tough game against a very tough opponent,” Nabi said in his prematch press conference.

“They have shown that they have players that have experience, and a coach that is competent and has experience too. It’s not going to be easy either for us or for them, and that is why it’s a game that will be played on details.

“The concentration during the game will be a must, and we must try to capitalise on the opportunities we get and be very organised when we are out of position.”

Although the international break offered valuable preparation time, Nabi would have preferred to keep the momentum going during what has been Chiefs’ most promising run in years. Still, he used the pause to sharpen his squad for a demanding period ahead, which includes the start of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign this weekend.

“We have tried to take advantage of this international break,” Nabi continued.

“We have been working on improving our physical condition and tactical principles. We also organised friendly games to have everyone involved and give them minutes because there are a lot of players that have not had enough time playing.

“We are heading into a very busy schedule ahead of us and we want everyone to be ready when they are needed.”

The Tunisian coach was also encouraged by the recognition some of his players earned during the break, with the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabiso Monyane receiving national team call-ups after a couple of international breaks without any of his players being selected.

“It is always an honour to have our players represent the national team and we hope that in the future we have more players represent the nation. 

“But that requires a lot of work and sacrifices from the players to be at their best consistently, and we are hoping to have more players representing the nation.”

With identical records and ambitions, the contest may not decide the title race, but it will provide valuable insight into which side is better equipped for the long campaign ahead.