Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to continue their resurgence in the DStv Premiership when they host Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
Chiefs got off to a rocky start after losing three of their opening five games, but a 3-1 success over Stellenbosch in Cape Town on Sunday extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Arthur Zwane’s side trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by just two points in fourth place, although they have played one game more, with the Brazilians involved in the CAF Champions League.
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana netted a hat-trick from the penalty spot against the Maroons to go level with Sundowns star Peter Shalulile on six goals at the top of the scoring charts.
Zwane paid tribute to Bimenyimana for his movement and link-up play as it allows players like Ashley Du Preez to exploits the spaces in-between the defenders.
“You saw today he keeps it simple as a striker. He just wants to play the ball out wide, protect the ball, play those one-twos,” Zwane said of the Burundian.
“He’s also a skilful player. He’s not just a tall boy. And he’s quick for his structure. We’ve always wanted a player who can release players like Ash [Ashley du Preez].
“He freed Ash so that the ball-carrier at that time could pick one of the two of them. That’s why Ashley was free twice, because Caleb will attract defenders. He’s also clever on the ball. He’s not just a striker waiting for the crosses.”
The return of Lehlogonolo Matlou and Zitha Kwinika from suspension will also offer ‘10111’ more options in his selection.
However, Itumeleng Khune, who was forced off in the last match against Stellenbosch FC, will be unavailable as he’s still nursing the injury.
Khama Billiat is doubtful while Happy Mashiane only started training in the middle of this week and might not be ready to play.
Zwane is wary of getting carried away with their recent up-turn in form and insists they “still have a long way to go”.
“There are still 19 games to play, we are still building the team and we’re still trying to get the conventions right,” Zwane told reporters.
“It looks promising that we are creating enough goal scoring opportunities. We’re getting there steady but surely. There’s a lot of improvement in the squad and team overall.”
The Chilli Boys were last in competitive action a month ago when they beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to make it back-to-back wins in the league.
Morgan Mammila has assumed first-team responsibilities after Daine Klate was relieved of his duties as head coach in the wake of the 1-0 defeat to Masandawana on September 7.
Mammila clarified his role at the club after being asked whether he is serving as their technical director or caretaker coach.
“I am the coach of the team,” he declared. “One thing about me is that I know the players and I know what they want. I give them what they want and they give me what I want in return.
“Being a coach doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s how you treat the players and whether you are fair towards the players and that is very important to me.”