Kaizer Chiefs eye league hat-trick: Can Amakhosi close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns?

The lure to close the points gap on Mamelodi Sundowns and complete a hat-trick of victories since the turn of the year will be the driving force behind Kaizer Chiefs in tonight’s Betway Premiership clash at Marumo Gallants.

Third on the table on 27 points after 14 matches, Amakhosi are having a memorable season that has given rise to hopes of the glory days returning to Naturena, with word from the club being that the championship is within reach.

They have played a match less than current leaders and defending champions Sundowns, who have already completed half of the campaign. Amidst cries about their lack of activity in the January transfer window while their adversaries have strengthened their squads, Chiefs have impressed with two victories out of two matches.

Granted, they were both just 1-0 wins — over Golden Arrows in the league and Zambia’s Zesco United in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage — which left many proclaiming Amakhosi are blunt up front. But a win is a win, and those results are sure to have injected confidence into the team.

This has been evidenced by the tough talk from stand-in coach Cedric Kaze, who has promised to serve humble pie to the detractors saying he and Ben Youssef Khalil are not worthy of leading the club’s technical team.

To manage that, they have to keep on winning, and their faithful will no doubt expect them to make quick work of a Gallants outfit that is stuck down at the bottom rung of the 16-team table. The Free State outfit have managed a point a match, standing as they are on 15 points from the same number of matches.

This is the kind of match that will also give a good indication of Chiefs’ strength in depth given that they have a key continental tie against Zesco at the weekend.

What approach do the co-coaches take for this one?

A club with a stronger squad would have no problem knowing they can field good teams for both matches. It will be interesting to see which of the two Amakhosi prioritise, given that they are both key matches and the three points matter for both.

Stay informed on Marumo Gallants v Kaizer Chiefs

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