In-form Arrows out to end Chiefs' unbeaten start

Golden Arrows will be looking to end Kaizer Chiefs' unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership when they host the Soweto giants at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 5:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Abafana Bes'thende are enjoying a three-match unbeaten run, having secured a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Magesi FC at home on 27 August and it was their second win of the season.

Therefore, Arrows are occupying the fifth spot in the Betway Premiership standings - three points behind Chiefs and leaders Sekhukhune United, with four matches played this term.

Chiefs, on the other hand, saw their perfect start to the season come to an end when they drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns at home on 27 August, but they remain unbeaten having won their first three games.

As a result, Amakhosi are still placed second in the Betway Premiership standings - level on points with Sekhukhune, who had a better goal difference, and Amakhosi will be eyeing the top spot with a win over Arrows.

TEAM NEWS

Lungelo Nguse is still on Golden Arrows' injury list, but the KwaZulu-Natal side have no suspension concerns coming into this encounter against Chiefs, who will be without several players.

Bruce Bvuma, Given Msimango and Rushwin Dortley are all on the club's injury list and Nkanyiso Shinga missed the game against Sundowns due to illness.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi

“It’s a big point [looking to add a new striker], we’re looking in that space. We are also saying to ourselves, maybe we can buy ourselves a little bit of time because we also have [Lungelo] Nguse, who might be coming back very soon," Mngqithi said.

"And Thokozani Khumalo has what it takes [to perform]. If he can be a little bit more confident, he’s a good [goal] scorer. I’m confident that with the season progressing, there’s a big chance he can give us a little bit more.”

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi

"About [Flavio] Silva, his last game was against [Asante] Kotoko of Ghana in the Toyota Cup," Nabi said.

"We knew today it was a big game [against Mamelodi Sundowns] and to try him after he has spent probably a month without having a competitive would not have worked. That's why we decided to keep him on the bench but I'm sure in the future we'll have him."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Kaizer Chiefs: The attacking midfielder has been one of the most improved Amakhosi players this season and he will pose a threat to Abafana Bes'thende with long-range shooting ability.

Junior Sere Dion, Golden Arrows: The Ivorian marksman has scored in each of his last three matches in which Abafana Bes'thende are undefeated and he could create problems for Chiefs' defence.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2020/21 Arrows 2-2 Chiefs Conco (pen), Sibiya; Castro 2

2020/21 Chiefs 3-2 Arrows Manyama (3); M. Gumede, Mathoho (og)

2021/22 Chiefs 0-1 Arrows Mutizwa

2021/22 Arrows 2-1 Chiefs Conco, Gumede; Billiat

2022/23 Arrows 0-2 Chiefs Bimenyimana, Edmilson

2022/23 Chiefs 2-3 Arrows Hlanti, Shabalala; Makhubela, Mutizwa 2

2023/24 Arrows 2-1 Chiefs Mutizwa 2; Hlanti

2023/24 Chiefs 1-0 Arrows Duba

2024/25 Chiefs 0-1 Arrows Shitolo

2024/25 Arrows 2-1 Chiefs Sibiya, Mutizwa; Maart

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2000/01)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Arrows 24 8 6 10 24 28

Chiefs 24 13 5 6 34 19

Away

P W D L GF GA

Arrows 24 6 5 13 19 34

Chiefs 24 10 6 8 28 24

Total

P W D L GF GA

Arrows 48 14 11 23 43 62

Chiefs 48 23 11 14 62 44