Polokwane Danger: Why Favoured Kaizer Chiefs Could Fall Into a Massive Trap This Sunday

Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to book their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals when they face Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday evening, with head coach Fernando Da Cruz having several selection decisions to make ahead of the quarter-final fixture.

Amakhosi head into the encounter hoping to keep their hopes of winning silverware alive this season. However, their preparations have been affected by injuries and suspensions, leaving the coaching staff with a number of challenges.

One of the major absentees for Chiefs is Inácio Miguel, who will miss the match after receiving a red card during their recent Soweto Derby defeat against Orlando Pirates. Rushwin Dortley is expected to return to the starting lineup and could form a central defensive partnership with Thabo Moloisane as Da Cruz looks for a replacement for the suspended defender.

The Glamour Boys are also expected to be without Langelihle Phili, Bradley Cross and Khanyisa Mayo, who have reportedly been ruled out of the match. Although Mayo is making progress in his recovery, Da Cruz has indicated that the striker is not yet ready to return to competitive football.

New signing Elias Mokwana is another player who could miss the encounter as he continues working on his fitness following his arrival at Naturena.

Despite the availability concerns, Chiefs have received a boost from the recent performances of Wandile Duba. The young striker was in excellent form in the previous round, scoring three goals in their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy. His impressive display could see him retain his place in the attacking lineup for Sunday’s encounter.

Siwelele FC will also be missing Aphiwe Baliti, who is unavailable due to suspension. However, they have received positive news with experienced forward Zakhele Lepasa and winger Vincent Pule available for selection. Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Tebogo Potsane is another player who could cause problems for Amakhosi’s defence.

Da Cruz has also cautioned his players against taking Siwelele lightly, making it clear that their previous victory over the opposition in the league does not mean they will automatically win Sunday’s cup encounter.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00, with Kaizer Chiefs hoping to secure a semi-final place while Siwelele will be determined to cause an upset and end Amakhosi’s hopes of progressing in the competition.

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