The FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will be the stage where the drama will be played out and Chiefs will be hoping to put on a show worthy of a standing ovation, as a win will allow the Amakhosi to cut Sundowns lead at the top of the table to a single point.

Recent history

Chiefs and Sundowns have a long history which has intensified over the past fifteen seasons since the inception of the PSL in 1996, Saturday’s game will see the teams return to the FNB Stadium to face each other in a league game for the first time since they played to a goalless draw in October 2006. Although they did square off at the renovated FNB Stadium during the season opening Telkom Charity Cup semi-final a game which Chiefs won 1-0.

Chiefs have managed to win at home against Sundowns twice in the last five seasons their last win over the Brazilians at the FNB Stadium was prior to its renovations in February 2006. On that occasion David Obua converted a first half penalty to hand Chiefs a 1-0 win, during the 2008 – 2009 season Abia Nale’s lone strike earned Chiefs a 1-0 victory at home against Sundowns which meant that they completed a double home and away league wins over them that season. After Chiefs had earlier defeated Sundowns in the away game also by a score of 1-0.

After the break

Over the past five season Chiefs form in their first game of the New Year has been in different, they have lost one drawn two and won two more games. A good sign for Chiefs is that those two victories which came in their first game of 2006 and 2009 were against Sundowns. While Sundowns have won one, drawn one and lost three matches when they have been in action first up over the last five seasons in the New Year.

Returning to action

Kaizer Chiefs will be boosted by the fact that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who missed Chiefs’ final outing of 2010 through suspension as well as midfielder Mandla Masango who also sat out the Aces game through suspension are available for selection.

Amakhosi winger Siphiwe Tshabalala who had been mourning the passing away of his mother in early December likewise is available to play, Sundowns will be without the services of suspended striker Katlego Mphela for the clash.