– Cape Town Today’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg matchup between Kaizer Chiefs and Amazulu at Soccer City could be decided by the “Foreign Legion” (3pm).
After scoring twice in a recent victory over SuperSport United, Bonfils-caleb Bimenyimana appears to be the Chiefs’ likely ace in the hole.
On the other side, Malawian Gabadinho Mhango will lead the attack of the visiting AmaZulu. The switch from Orlando Pirates to Amazulu in preseason has done wonders for his attitude. Even though he has scored only three goals in the Premier League this season, he has attempted much more shots on goal, and he will be a target this afternoon.
Edmilson Dove, a Mozambican defender who has made an impressive start for Chiefs, is another foreign-born player who could affect the outcome.
A second element that could affect the outcome of this match is the fact that some players have previously represented both teams. Former Chiefs players for Amazulu include Ramahlwe Mphahlele, George Maluleka, Keagan Buchanan, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Dumisani Zuma, and Lehlohonolo Majoro.
Former Amazulu players Njabulo Ngcobo, Sifiso Hlanti, and Siyethemba Sithebe play for the Chiefs. It implies that coaches will benefit from information from former players to guarantee that game preparations are accurate.
Of these “former” players, the Amazulu midfielder Buchanan appears to be the most dangerous. Amazulu was voted “Man of the Match” in his team’s last match against Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning Premiership champions.
Itumeleng Khune, captain of the Chiefs, stated that the match offers the club an opportunity to end a seven-year trophy drought.
Khune emphasized the importance of scoring as many goals as possible and keeping a clean sheet. “Because it’s our home game, we don’t want to give Amazulu any chance to get an advantage in the first leg, therefore it’s crucial that we score and don’t surrender, especially at home.
“We are aware of their lethality up front. They have three world-class, goal-hungry players, so it will be crucial for us to maintain a high level of focus and attention throughout the entire encounter.
Even in our league game against them, we handled them quite well, so I doubt the coach will alter his strategy. We must also ensure that we do not concede set-pieces near the 18-yard box, as they may still be dangerous.
“We are fully prepared. I believe we have been anticipating this match since before the Macufe match. Many of us are enthusiastic about the match, and we are eager to go out and win.
“We want to break the ‘curse’ of not having won a trophy in seven years, so the fact that we have a chance to reach the final is motivation enough for us.”
In two weeks, Amazulu will host the second leg of the tournament.