WeeklySA_AdminCHALLENGE: Buoyed by their Soweto Derby victory, Amakhosi reserves welcome Sundowns to Dobsonville, with five returning COSAFA U20 gold medallists boosting their options…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Kaizer Chiefs’ reserves will look to build on their winning start to the DStv Diski Challenge when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Sunday.
Kick-off is at noon, with free entry for supporters.
The young Amakhosi opened their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates in Durban last weekend. They now face another demanding test against the young Brazilians as coach Vela Khumalo balances the return of players from international duty with the absence of youngsters competing elsewhere.
Five players who helped South Africa win the COSAFA U20 tournament in Mozambique have rejoined the squad, giving Khumalo additional options for the encounter.
“We are putting final touches to our preparations today before welcoming Sundowns. We’ve had a full week to train and had a chance to work with our five gold medallists who won the COSAFA U20 tournament in Mozambique,” Khumalo said.
However, some players who featured in the derby victory will be unavailable after being selected for Chiefs’ U18 side at the Engen Champ of Champs tournament in Pretoria this weekend.
Their involvement will require changes to the reserve team’s line-up, while also underlining the opportunities being given to younger players in the Diski Challenge.
“Some of the players who played last weekend will be missing as they have been drafted into the U18 Engen Champ of Champs team in Pretoria. It also shows we play with quite a young team in the DDC,” Khumalo explained.
“We are forced to replace them temporarily and it’s good that they are representing Gauteng at this national tournament.”
Despite those adjustments, Khumalo expects a competitive contest and believes his players are ready for the challenge.
“We are looking forward to a very competitive match because we know they have been watching us, and we promise supporters to do our best.”
For Chiefs, Sunday’s fixture offers an opportunity to turn the momentum from their derby success into a second successive victory. The returning internationals strengthen their options, but the reshuffled side will need to settle quickly against Sundowns.
