Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane believes Amakhosi can use their recent success against Mamelodi Sundowns to their advantage when the two sides meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.
Sundowns have dominated the fixture over the longer term, winning six of the last 10 meetings between the two giants of South African football.
But Chiefs have avoided defeat in their last three encounters with the Brazilians.
Amakhosi beat Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup two years ago before drawing both league meetings last season, giving them a recent record they can draw confidence from ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Speaking to the media at Naturena oajesd of their Betway Premiership fixture, Monyane revealed that Chiefs have identified areas where Sundowns can be exposed while acknowledging the progress his side has made since last season.
“Coming in from last season, look, we drew with Sundowns twice. All I can say is that there is improvement, and we know their strengths, we know their weaknesses and we look to keep up on that,” Monyane told the media.
The 26-year-old’s comments underline the belief within the Chiefs camp that the gap between the two sides has narrowed.
Chiefs have also made a perfect start to the new Betway Premiership campaign, winning their opening two matches and moving to the top of the standings.
Sundowns, meanwhile, opened their league campaign with a 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy.
Saturday’s fixture will therefore bring together two sides carrying positive momentum, although the pressure will be greater given their ambitions for the season.
Sundowns remain the benchmark in South African football after their sustained dominance of the league, while Chiefs are attempting to establish themselves among the leading contenders under Fernando Da Cruz.
For Chiefs, the recent meetings provide evidence that Sundowns are not an opponent they need to fear.
However, Monyane and his teammates will know that previous results count for little once the two sides step onto the pitch.
Sundowns possess the quality to punish any lapse in concentration, while Chiefs will need to execute their plans effectively if they are to turn their recent unbeaten run against the Brazilians into another positive result.
A victory would keep Chiefs’ perfect league record intact and strengthen their early position at the top of the table.
For Sundowns, it would provide an opportunity to halt Chiefs’ momentum and underline their own title credentials.
With both clubs expected to challenge for the Betway Premiership crown, Saturday’s encounter already carries the feel of an important early-season statement.
