Kaizer Chiefs are on the road to Richards Bay as they target a win and compound their hosts’ relegation woes this Sunday. Chiefs are still licking their wounds after a 2-0 defeat that was inflicted by Chippa United in the DStv Premiership a week ago.
Amakhosi look to also honour their fallen defender, Luke Fleurs with a decent send-off as he will laid to rest on Saturday in Cape Town. The Soweto giants are also desperate for the full three points to ease their concerns as they had a disastrous campaign.
For the relegation candidates, the Natal Rich Boyz have had their fair share of struggles as they continue to languish at the bottom of the log table. A win for them will also go a long way in restoring hope as far as survival is concerned as they occupy the 15th spot with 17 points from 23 games.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs Match Details:
- Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM SAST
- Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi
Richards Bay: Coached by Vusumuzi Vilakazi, the KZN outfit comes from two defeats to Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns before securing a 1-0 victory over Moroka Swallows. Vilakazi recently claimed that he wanted to face Chiefs while they are down and mourning their defender’s passing. With Chiefs doing everything in their power to erase the loss, it remains to be seen if the hosts will win this one.
Kaizer Chiefs: Interim coach Cavin Johnson is under pressure from Amakhosi fans to return to winning ways and at least save the club’s stature. Chiefs are set to finish the season without a single trophy and they are now fighting to secure a second-place finish to play in the CAF Champions League next season.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs Key Players To Watch:
Yusuf Maart vs Tercious Malepe: Maart brings stability to the Chiefs midfield but has been a shadow of his former self in the recent past. The experienced midfielder is gifted with a thunderous shot and will hope to be at his best. Malepe, the former Orlando Pirates star has a lot to do in the midfield and stop Chiefs’ attacks. Malepe is expected to bring steel and spread passes to trouble the opposing defence.
Siyethemba Sithebe vs Khuda Muyaba: Muyaba was on target in the previous match against Swallows and Vilakazi will look up to him to bring his goalscoring boots. Battling it out against Sithebe, the Amakhosi campaigner came close to scoring versus the Chilli Boys away in East London. He also has a lot of work to do to earn himself a new contract at Naturena.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs Head to Head:
Judging by the previous statistics and numbers, Chiefs have the upper hand. The Soweto giants have three wins while their hosts have zero. The other clash finished as a draw.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs Coaches:
Vusumuzi Vilakazi: A former player himself, Vilakazi started his coaching career with Golden Arrows where he worked with Mabhudi Khenyeza. He sensationally left the coaching job and joined Chippa before resurfacing in KZN with Richards Bay. His task is to save the club’s PSL status.
Cavin Johnson: The former Platinum Stars boss is also one of the seasoned coaches in the South African top flight. While the fans feel his ideas are outdated, Johnson will hope to be credited with guiding the side to continental football before the end of the season.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs What The Teams Said:
Vusumuzi Vilakazi: “I would have loved to play them [Kaizer Chiefs] this week,” said Vilakazi after their match against Moroka Swallows at King Zwelithini Stadium.
“But unfortunately we can’t because obviously, it’s the weekend for a cup [Nedbank Cup]. It’d be good to get them while they’re still sleeping. When they get some time [within the upcoming two weeks], there’s a chance for them to wake up.
“What’s important right now is that our preparation is spot on. We need to get one competitive friendly game to replace the fact that we’re not playing this weekend. So, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs: Fan Sentiments:
The Amakhosi fans are still rallying behind the club and because they just want to win their remaining matches, the general feeling is that Johnson can finish the season on a high.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs Prediction:
Because of the desperation in both camps, it becomes tricky to predict the outcome of this encounter but the odds are against the hosts.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs What’s Next:
After this six-pointer, Amakhosi will shift their focus to another tough encounter against Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport United on April 27 at home. The KZN boys will face off against fellow relegation candidates a day before, 26 April.
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