After getting the boot in the MTN8 Cup, Kaizer Chiefs shift focus to the DStv Premiership, where they hope to realign hopes of ending their title drought.
The Glamour boys hope to return to winning ways when they host the Sekhukhune United at the FNB stadium on Wednesday.
Their last league game ended with Royal AM in a 0-0 draw. That was before being eliminated from the MTN8 Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns in the two-legged semi-finals.
However, Molefi Ntseki and his men face a tricky test against Sekhukhune United, who won their last two matches.
The Brandon Truter-coached side beat FC Lupopo 3-1 in the CAF Confederations before edging Royal AM 1-0.
Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United played four games since 2021, with each two matches apiece.
How Amakhosi will fare against Babina remains to be seen, but the pressure is slowly mounting on coach Ntseki.
STELLIES PLOT TO STOP THE MASANDAWANA JAGGERNAUT
In another match, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will hope to stretch their unbeaten run when they host Stellenbosch.
Going into this one, the Tshwane giants are sitting on a 31-match unbeaten run in the league.
Sundowns are the natural favourites to win this one, but Stellenbosch will dare to beat them, especially after frustrating Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.
Unfortunately, the Stellies camp is rocked by injuries, with Iqraam Rayners, Fawaaz Basadien, and Dean van Rooyen ruled out. On the other hand, Jayden Adams will miss this clash due to suspension.Â
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Stellenbosch gaffer Steve Barker is confident his men will fight tooth and nail to gain a positive result against the serial champions.
“The significant part is to be competitive as much as possible against Mamelodi Sundowns. While injuries rock his camp, Barker says the next seven matches will be crucial, having been beset with an unforgiving fixture schedule.
“But the following seven matches, to take us into the half of the season, will be crucial. We have had a stiff start to the season, facing SuperSport United twice and Orlando Pirates three times.
“In the process, we faced Kaizer Chiefs, so it has been a tough campaign in the league. So, Wednesday will be a struggle, but the lads always try to do well when their backs are against the wall.
“Imagine us coming to Gauteng and beating Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, but yeah, it will be tough,” Barker said after the MTN8 semi-finals.
Sundowns is the only team that remains unbeaten, as they sit comfortably at the summit of the PSL standings with 21 points after seven matches.
BATTLE OF THE MOTHER CITY
On Thursday, Cape Town will be the centre of attraction when cross-town rivals, Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs, lock horns at Cape Town Stadium.
Both sides have had an indifferent start to the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season. Cape Town City are 14th on the log standings with seven points on their tally.
CT City won two matches and drew once. Their city rivals, Cape Town Spurs, are at the bottom of the pile, with nothing on their tally after playing six games.