Sekhukhune United are set to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday without one of their key attackers.
Babina Noko will take on Chiefs, who are high on confidence following their impressive 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday. The Naturena-based side ended their nine-year trophy drought with a win in the Soweto Derby final thanks to decisive goals from Gaston Sirino and Yusuf Maart.
However, Amakhosi have been struggling for a consistent winning form in the league as they are fighting to finish in the top eight.
The Glamour Boys occupy the eighth position on the Premiership table with 30 points in 26 matches. Chiefs are winless in their last seven league encounters after last collecting maximum points on the 4th of March against Magesi FC.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED ON A QUEST TO QUALIFY FOR THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
On the other hand, Sekhukhune are on a quest to finish in the top three to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season. The Limpopo-based side is currently sitting third on the table with 45 points in 26 games played in the league. Sekhukhune won 13 matches, drew six, and lost seven times.
With the Eric Tinkler-coached team aiming to upset Chiefs, they will have to do it without their striker Chibuike Ohizu. The Nigerian international will serve a one-match suspension after receiving his fourth yellow card of the campaign against Magesi over a week ago.
Ohizu has featured in 24 matches in all competitions for Sekhukhune, scoring six goals and chipping in with one assist. The 28-year-old forward has been with Sekhukhune for four seasons after joining the club at the start of the 2021/22 campaign from Jomo Cosmos.
Meanwhile, Chiefs will tackle Sekhukhune without the suspended duo of Bradley Cross and Inacio Miguel.
The list of suspended players also includes Chippa United’s Sirgio Kammies, Magesi FC’s Delano Abrahams and Lehlohonolo Mtshali, and Richard Bay FC’s Lindokuhle Zikhali.
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