Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for what many believe will be their toughest test of the season as they face off against an in-form Mamelodi Sundowns side in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals this Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The match, which has captured the attention of fans across the country, comes at a critical time for Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who finds himself under growing pressure following a string of underwhelming performances in the league.
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With Chiefs’ chances of silverware hanging on this competition, their clash against Sundowns could define Nabi’s tenure at the helm.
The challenge, however, is monumental.
Analysts, including former Chiefs players, have weighed in, suggesting that Nabi’s side faces an almost impossible task.
Sundowns are not only dominating domestically but have also stamped their authority on the continental stage – having recently qualified for the CAF Champions League semi-finals and preparing for the Club World Cup.
The strength of the Sundowns squad has been a major talking point. With no fewer than eight players in the current Bafana Bafana setup – many of them regular starters – the Tshwane-based giants boast depth, consistency, and individual brilliance that few teams on the continent can match.
Even their bench is packed with players capable of turning a game on its head.
Despite not featuring in the midweek CAF clash against Esperance, some players are expected to return fresh for the Brazilians for Sunday’s game, posing a significant threat to the struggling Amakhosi side.
For the Soweto giants, Sunday’s semi-final is more than just a cup match – it’s a test of character, resilience, and their future under Nabi.
Defeat could signal the end of their only realistic hope for silverware this season and potentially trigger leadership changes at the club.
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“That’s a mountain to climb. Before you start saying anything, ask yourself, who is Chiefs playing against? We are talking about a team here that has qualified for the CAF Champions League semi-finals. We are talking about a team that is going to the Club World Cup. We are talking about a team that has no less than eight players in the South African national team set-up. And these are not just players in the national team, but they are regulars in the starting line-ups. This is a team with so many high-profile and star players who can easily play in most teams in different leagues around the world and they are consistent with their performances,” said Khanye, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
“Nabi would have a chance if they were going to play against AmaZulu, or Chippa United, for instance. But now we are talking about a well-structured team with so much depth in their squad. Aubrey Modiba didn’t play last night against Esperance, but he can come in on the Sunday and fit like a glove. Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane, I understand he is now ready, but he isn’t even playing yet – one of the best players in the league who has achieved so much in his career, including with the national team. There’s (Mosa) Lebusa, (Sphelele) Mkhulise, (Neo) Maema, (Kutlwano) Letlhaku – and the list is endless – and all these players are not playing regularly but they can come in to do the damage. And this is a home game for Sundowns, and I don’t see Chiefs standing a chance, and that’s why I am saying Nabi, and his team will have a mountain to climb if they have to beat Sundowns,” he said.
