The three Chiefs players that will miss the match against AmaZulu

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a disheartening 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune last weekend. Despite being only two points behind third-placed Richards Bay, Amakhosi are now 16 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

On Friday evening at 19:30, though, the Chiefs are anticipated to defeat the 12th-ranked AmaZulu in a convincing fashion.

However, the visitors will be without three key players: Keagan Dolly, Khama Billiat, and Sifiso Hlanti. Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat are sidelined due to injury, and Sifiso Hlanti is still serving a ban.

In their absence, Yusuf Maart will likely play a pivotal role, and he stated that the Chiefs will aim to put last weekend’s loss to Sekhukhune United behind them when they travel to Moses Mabhida stadium.

“During the December break, we worked very hard, and it showed in our first two games back,” he explains. Unfortunately, the last game did not go our way, but we are eager to make amends against AmaZulu.

The teams have met once in league action and twice in the MTN8 semifinals this season. Maart is painfully conscious of the fact that all three matches ended in ties.

“I told Ashley (Du Preez) that,” he says with a broad grin, “but he told me not to worry because he is optimistic. When we go there, we will undoubtedly win.”

The departure of Njabulo Blom to St. Louis City in the American MLS has prompted a minor positioning shift for Maart as he forges a fresh understanding with the Chiefs’ exceptional young talent, Samkelo Zwane.

Maart, though, seems unfazed and explains, “At the end of the day, I just need to work hard, like I always have. Zwane’s presence with me is advantageous, since he is learning what it takes to play at this level. I had a terrific partnership with Blom, but football is a team sport, and I must be prepared to play with anyone on the squad. I believe I’m playing well with everyone around me.”

AmaZulu, like Chiefs, enters the contest following a loss, and Maart is prepared for a titanic battle for supremacy in Durban.

“Both teams lost their last contest. Both of us need the points, so we must desire it more than they do. “Even though it’s their home game, we’ll come out with more vigor and make sure we get the three points,” he concludes.