Kaizer Chiefs Thabo Cele is back for their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Mamelodi Sundowns will provide a stern test of Kaizer Chiefs' credentials as Amakhosi look to assess their performances this season and their readiness for the next campaign.
Chiefs travel to face Sundowns in a Betway Premiership top-of-the-table clash at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night (7.30pm).
Sundowns will enter the encounter as clear favourites. They are on the brink of securing a record ninth consecutive league title, are unbeaten in 14 league matches, defeated Chiefs in the reverse fixture, and will enjoy home advantage. They also have a proven ability to raise their intensity in crucial moments.
However, Chiefs are unlikely to be pushovers. They recently went on a seven-match unbeaten run, which came to an end with a 2–0 defeat to Siwelele in Bloemfontein last Wednesday.
After time to refresh, regroup and prepare for the Brazilians, Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has outlined where they expect Sundowns to pose a threat and how they intend to respond.
“It’s a good team to play against. They are very tactical and technical, and they play with a lot of patience. It becomes a mental battle, and I enjoy those types of games,” Cele told Chiefs' media department.
“They will want to dominate possession because that’s how they create chances and control transitions. Playing away, we will look to exploit opportunities on the break, and when we enter their half, we must retain possession.”
Cele is expected to feature in midfield, alongside former Sundowns’ player Lebohang Maboe, after recently regaining full match fitness following a lengthy injury lay-off.
“Personally, it hasn’t been easy,” Cele said. “You want to reach a certain level and standard, but when things are not going your way, you need to stay calm and keep working hard. That’s what I’ve been doing.
“Coming back and trying to help the team in recent matches is something I’ve worked hard for – to be mentally ready and prepared. That’s football: rising when you are down.”
His return and the Sundowns’ game comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Chiefs aiming to secure a top-three finish and qualify for continental football via the CAF Confederation Cup next term.
“I think it’s a game that comes late in the season, and we haven’t managed to win some of the important matches – whether in Africa, the Nedbank Cup, or even the first leg against Orlando Pirates,” he said.
Chiefs are also looking ahead, using this encounter as a measure of their readiness for next season, where they aim to compete for all available trophies.
Producing a strong performance against Sundowns will be a significant challenge, but Cele believes Chiefs can rise to the occasion.
“They have top internationals – some play for Bafana Bafana and others represent their countries. It’s a very strong squad,” he said.
“But we also have a good team. We’ve just been unfortunate at times. This is a big moment, and we cannot afford to miss it. It will require intelligence.”
A victory for Chiefs would boost their top-three ambitions and could also influence the title race, with rivals Orlando Pirates hoping Sundowns drop points.