By Michael Madyira
The Soweto giants are placed eighth on the table and desperately need victory to climb up the ladder or at least remain at position eight.
Having started the season with ambitions to win the league title, Chiefs have been revising their targets, from finishing second to the top four and now to the top eight.
Coach Cavin Johnson’s team has 35 points, the same as Polokwane, which is below them on inferior goal difference.
“Come Saturday, we will be playing a cup final against the ninth-ranked team in the league, and we know we have to win the game,” Johnson told the media.
“All we care about is the next three points, and nothing outside of football is bothering the players at the moment.”
Saturday’s match could be goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune’s swansong after the club hinted at him retiring from playing.
Amakhosi are planning to honour the veteran goalkeeper.
“Itumeleng Khune, set to be honoured before the team’s final home match of the campaign against Rise and Shine,” the club announced.
“The fixture against Polokwane City promises to be an emotional and celebratory one as the club, teammates, and supporters say thank you to one of the most decorated players in Chiefs’ history.”
The club said Khune, a stalwart of South African football, has been a pillar of strength for Kaizer Chiefs for over two decades, having arrived as a youngster from Ventersdorp in the North West in 1999.
Chiefs will be without several key players and hope it will not work against them.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, defender Edmilson Dove and midfielder Pule Mmodi are suspended.
Keagan Dolly, Tebogo Potsane, Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons are battling with fitness.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edson Castillo dribbles past Polokwane City’s Puleng Marema
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
