Desperate for firepower, Kaizer Chiefs pin their hopes on a returning attacker to ignite their struggling offence against Richards Bay FC in a must-win Betway Premiership clash on Sunday. Kick-off is 3:30PM.
Amakhosi were left disappointed after struggling to score in the goalless draw against Cape Town City FC on Wednesday at FNB Stadium. In fact, eighth-placed Amakhosi have scored 22 goals in 21 games. They have only collected 29 points.
The Soweto giants travel to face Richards Bay in their final match before the year’s first FIFA international break. The KZN outfit is in 14th place, tied on 21 points with SuperSport United, who are in the relegation zone in 15th.
Their desperate need for maximum points at King Zwelithini Stadium makes them a particularly dangerous team for Chiefs to face. Interestingly, the Natal Rich Boyz are coming from a defeat at the hands of Premiership newcomers Magesi FC, who have anchored the Betway Premiership table for the greater part of the first round.
In the reverse fixture, the Naturena-based giants secured a 2-1 victory over Natal Rich Boyz at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
WHICH ATTACKER IS CHIEFS WELCOMING BACK?
While Amakhosi confirmed the absence of defender Rushwin Dortley, who underwent a knee surgery, they welcome back Wandile Duba. The 20-year-old forward has scored five goals and provided three assists in all competitions this season.
However, he has been out of action, nursing a knee injury since 26 January. His last outing was against Free Agents in the round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup. Despite being absent for 49 days, missing nine matches, Duba remains the club’s top goal scorer.
In the league, Duba and fellow academy graduate Mduduzi Shabalala are both on four goals. Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez are both on three.
It remains to be seen whether Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will throw Duba into the fray. The Tunisian mentor recently confirmed that the young striker returned to training a fortnight ago.
“Duba had his first training with the squad last week,” Nabi said a week ago.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay will have to do without Tlakusani Mthethwa and Keegan Allan due to suspension. On the other hand, Nabi will miss the services of Brandon Petersen, who is serving a suspension, while Happy Mashiane, Tashreeq Morris, and Samkelo Zwane join Dortley on the sidelines.
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