Kaizer Chiefs face challenging start to the season with tough fixture list as trip to Mamelodi Sundowns looms large
Kaizer Chiefs face a challenging start to the Betway Premiership season with tough fixtures against Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City, Richards Bay, and champions Mamelodi Sundowns in August, as they aim to improve on their previous league performances. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Though Kaizer Chiefs will not be involved in the opening weekend of local football action in the MTN8, they will still have their work cut out from the outset in their new Betway Premiership campaign.
With Chiefs having finished outside the top eight in the league the last two seasons, there are increased expectations that the Soweto Giants will produce a much better showing.
Even though Chiefs won their first piece of silverware with the Nedbank Cup title last season, it did not hide their underperformance in the league.
Now, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will have to ensure his troops hit the ground running from their first clash.
Upcoming Fixtures for Chiefs: Key Matches in August
That first clash will be an away clash against Stellenbosch FC on August 10. With Stellies having finished last term in third place on the log, the hosts will want to show why they finished six spots ahead of Chiefs.
Three days later, Chiefs will host Polokwane City at FNB Stadium. City, of course, finished in one of the lucrative top eight spots last season, as they finished in seventh spot.
On August 19, Chiefs will be at home again as they welcome Richards Bay. Richards Bay grabbed that final top eight spot in the table last season, and Chiefs will therefore want to get one over their mid-table rivals.
Towards the end of the month on August 27, Chiefs will then face the daunting task of taking on the champions Mamelodi Sundowns on their home turf. This fixture could well set the tone for the rest of the season for Chiefs.