Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs can still make their way into the top eight despite a disappointing campaign when they host Swallows FC at FNB Stadium this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
Chiefs have managed just one win from their last seven league matches and suffered a ninth defeat of the season when they were beaten 2-1 at Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on 4 May.
The Amakhosi have claimed 12 points from 13 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-0 loss to Chippa United late last month.
“We are aware of the position we find ourselves in, but we are working hard to be in a better position,” said Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma. “I believe that we will get positive results and finish in a respectable position.
“This is a Soweto derby, I come from Bram Fischer which is walking distance to Dobsonville Stadium and when I was young I used to go and watch games there when Swallows were playing. So I know how big this game is and I am looking forward to it.
Meanwhile Swallows played to a fourth successive draw – and recorded a 16th stalemate of the season – when they held Maritzburg United 1-1 away from home on 30 April, with Sifiso Hlanti scoring their equaliser.
The Birds have claimed 18 points from 13 away matches this season, though they have not won on the road since beating Baroka FC in mid-January.
Victory for The Birds could take them as high as third in the table and into the CAF Confederation Cup qualification places, while and win for Chiefs could see them shoot into the top eight.
It is also a Soweto Derby and so bragging rights are up for grabs, but most important on the mind of both sides will be the points.
“It is a special game, people will sit up and look at it. As much as Chiefs need a win, so do we,” Truter said.
“With us, I wouldn’t say there is any special preparation but mental prep is more important for us at this stage. If you look at our amount of draws, we need the win just as much.
“Of course, we’ve got different objectives, they want to get into the top eight; we want to get into spots for Africa or finish as high as possible in our first season.
“Chiefs are a special team with special players that can change the game, and we have to be mindful of those players.
“It is their home game, they will have to win, come out and open up but we know what to expect from Chiefs and we know their key players, so we’ll plan accordingly.”
In head-to-head stats, Swallows and Chiefs have met in 62 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have 34 wins compared to 12 for the Birds, while 16 matches have been drawn
DSTV Premiership Midweek Results and Fixtures:
Tuesday, 11 May
Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Orlando Pirates.
Amazulu 0 -1 Baroka FC.
Wednesday, 12 May.
Chippa United vs Black Leopards – 15:00.
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Cape Town City – 15:00.
Maritzburg United vs Golden Arrows – 15:00.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Swallows FC – 17:00.
SuperSport United vs TTM – 17:00.