Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp was not his usual talkative self as Chiefs arrived at the Vodacom Loftus Stadium for Saturday afternoon’s clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, instead the Chiefs coach was a rock of concentration ahead of his teams all important game.

Understanding the importance of Saturday afternoons game the Chiefs coach has demonstrated his seriousness about winning the game in order for his team to increase their lead at the top of the PSL standings, by bringing his team early to the stadium and allowing for them to acclimatize to the heat of the capital.

Chiefs course to remain number one by the end of Saturday has been helped by the fact that he has been able to select a virtually unchanged team, from the one that ran out winners against Ajax Cape Town a week ago. The only change Ernst Middendorp has had to make from last Saturday is a forced one which sees David Radebe take the place of the suspended Rotson Kilambe in attack.

The Amakhosi have also welcomed back defender Fabian McCarthy who will begin Saturday’s game from the bench, McCarthy had been recovering from a calf injury he picked up against Silver Stars on the 10th January. Gert Schalkwyk, who was omitted from last weekends victory over Ajax also makes a return to the game day eighteen, takes the place of Derrick Spencer who has been omitted from Saturday’s line up.

While Chiefs have had to make one forced change to their line up, Sundowns have made three changes to their starting eleven from the team that started in a CAF Champions league game a week ago against Royal Swazi Leopards. Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi will stand in goal for The Brazilians, as regular goalkeeper Calvin Marlin had to be substituted during last weeks Champions League Game with a head injury.

Chiefs opponents second change is a tactical one which sees David Kannemeyer slot in at Left back for Oscar Ntwagae while Gordon Ingesund’s final alteration to his team sees Esrom Nyandoro return from injury to take the place of Christian Moudouthe in midfield.

With both teams aiming for top spot on Saturday afternoon, it is all to play for in front of a capacity crowd at Loftus; Chiefs will be aiming to erase the memories of the corresponding fixture from last season when Sundowns defeated them by 3-1 goals to one.

A win on Saturday afternoon will help Chiefs go along way towards rewriting the history books, and it will be another step on the road towards Chiefs winning back the trophy which was taken away from them last season by Sundowns.

Line Up’s:

Mamelodi Sundowns: 99. B. Baloyi, 14. S. Moriri, 3. E. Nyandoro, 30. V. Mere,

10. G. Sapula, 66. D. Kannemeyer, 19. B. Mhlongo, 25. M. Manzini, 9. J. Dladla,

7. J. Torrealba, 8. L. Chabangu

Substitutes: 28. J. Mabokgwane, 21. B. Carelse, 6. F. Costa, 17. P. Apataki, 13. L. Ndlela, 2. O. Ntwagae, 23. P. Ndlovu

Coach: Gordon Ingesund

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. R. Fernandez, 4. C. Nzama, 2. J. Tau, 21. P. Mayo, 33. D. Mototo, 27. G. Sibeko, 8. T. Nengomasha, 11. E. Ngobese, 10. S. Nkosi, 31. D. Radebe, 7. K. Motaung Junior

Substitutes: 16. R. Wuest, 18. A. Zwane, 25. G. Schalkwyk, 13. D. Obua, 9. S. Djiehoua

24. D. Mathebula, 6. F. McCarthy

Coach: Ernst Middendorp

Officials:


Referee: Ace Ncobo


Assistant 1: Luyanda Somi


Assistant 2: Manutse Nayo


4TH Official: Matthew Dyer


Match Commissioner: Jankey Mabitsela