Kaizer Chiefs cannot afford another slip-up when they face Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.
Amakhosi head into the Betway Premiership clash unbeaten after their opening four league matches, but two draws have prevented Fernando Da Cruz’s side from making a stronger start to the campaign.
Their latest result — a 2-2 draw against Richards Bay — left Chiefs with two wins and two draws from their first four matches. The Soweto giants will now be targeting all three points against a Siwelele side that has struggled for consistency early in the season.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 on Sunday.
Da Cruz could shuffle the defence
One of the biggest selection headaches for Da Cruz remains the left-back position.
Chiefs have been forced to manage injuries in that area, with Nkhanyisa Shinga, Paseka Mako and Bradley Cross among the players affected.
There is, however, encouraging news for the Amakhosi coach.
Cross and Mako have reportedly returned to training this week, potentially giving Da Cruz additional defensive options ahead of the encounter.
That could lead to changes at the back as Chiefs attempt to tighten up after conceding twice against Richards Bay.
Midfield could also change
Da Cruz has several options in midfield and could use the Siwelele fixture to find a more balanced combination.
Rather than relying heavily on defensive-minded midfielders, the Chiefs coach could opt for a setup that brings Lebohang Maboe and Siiphesihle Ndlovu into a more prominent role.
The objective would be to provide Chiefs with greater control in possession while still maintaining enough defensive protection.
Mduduzi Shabalala could also operate further forward, giving the team another creative outlet between midfield and attack.
Chiefs face another attacking decision
The attacking line is another area where Da Cruz may be forced into changes.
Langelihle Phili is unavailable because of an ankle injury, creating an opportunity for other players to stake their claim.
Asanele Velebayi could therefore be brought into the attacking setup, while Faiz Abrahams is another option who could benefit from Phili’s absence.
On the flanks, Wandile Duba and Velebayi could provide width and pace.
Up front, Flavio Silva could lead the line if he is considered fit enough to start.
Predicted Kaizer Chiefs XI vs Siwelele
Based on the available options and the potential tactical changes, Chiefs could line up as follows:
Brandon Petersen
Reeve Frosler — Miguel Inacio — Thabo Moloisane — Zitha Kwinika
Siiphesihle Ndlovu — Lebohang Maboe
Mduduzi Shabalala
Wandile Duba — Asanele Velebayi
Flavio Silva
The predicted lineup could still change before kick-off, particularly depending on the fitness of players returning from injury.
Three points are the priority
For Chiefs, the result is arguably more important than the performance.
Amakhosi remain unbeaten, but another draw would mean dropping points for a third time in their opening five league matches.
With ambitions of challenging near the top of the Betway Premiership standings, Da Cruz will want his team to turn their unbeaten run into a sequence of victories.
Siwelele, meanwhile, will be hoping to exploit any weaknesses in the Chiefs defence and add further frustration to the Soweto giants’ campaign.
The match will be played at Dobsonville Stadium after the fixture was moved from Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
For Chiefs supporters, the question is simple: Will Da Cruz’s changes produce the win Amakhosi desperately need?
