Predicting Kaizer Chiefs’ XI to face Marumo Gallants
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NMMABUNDA
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Njabulo Blom, Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs will be bidding to end a five-match winless run in the Premier Soccer League when they welcome Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
That bad patch of form has been a huge blow to the Soweto giants’ bid to end the season in the top-two.That places pressure on them to collect maximum points against Gallants who are buoyant after reaching the Nedbank Cup final for the second season running.
GOAL predicts how Chiefs co-caretaker coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard could select their starting line-up.
GOALKEEPER – Brandon Petersen
The Amakhosi goalkeeper has endured a tough time in the last four games in which he has conceded six goals. He will be hoping to keep a clean sheet and inspire Chiefs with some game-saving interventions.
RIGHT-BACK – Njabulo Blom
Having been converted into a right-back this season, Blom returned to that role against Cape Town City last weekend after the Chiefs coaches tried him in midfield against Arrows.He has thrived playing on the right side of defense and his future could be in that position, rather than central midfield.
LEFT-BACK – Reeve Frosler
The utility player was deployed as a right-back the last time out Chiefs faced Gallants in September 2021.But Frosler has played as a left-back in most games this season and has performed commendably well.
CENTRE-BACK – Austin Dube
The central defence position has become problematic in recent games with players committing costly errors. Against Arrows, it was Njabulo Ngcobo whose blunder allowed Abafana Bes’thende to come back.
Then against Cape Town City, it was Daniel Cardoso whose mistake gave the visitors their opening goal and Chiefs coaches could try out Dube to partner Ngezana.
CENTRE-BACK – Siyabonga Ngezana
Ngezana has been reasonably solid at the back for Chiefs and has proved to be consistent in his performances. One defender they can rely on to stop conceding like they have done in the past four games when they have shipped in six goals.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Cole Alexander
The midfielder’s experience is needed to shield the defence and help Chiefs avoid conceding again. Earlier in the season, he formed a good midfield partnership playing alongside Phathutshedzo Nange in the middle of the park.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Bernard Parker
On his day, the experienced linkman can change the complexion of the game at any time but can also disappoint. With Chiefs under pressure to end their winless run, there are high expectations on senior players to lead by example and that would be Parker’s responsibility on Tuesday.
RIGHT MIDFIELDER – Khama Billiat
The Zimbabwean attacker has scored six goals and made eight assists in the league this season. He is another experienced player expected to stabilise Chiefs’ attack during this difficult time the club is facing.
LEFT MIDFIELDER – Keagan Dolly
Dolly is Chiefs’ highest scorer in the league this season with seven goals and is a player who can hurt any opposition. He also has four assists in this campaign and a combination with Billiat could make life hard for Gallants.
