5 key players that could decide Chiefs v Sundowns battle for supremacy

In one of South Africa’s most anticipated fixtures, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns meet for more than just points. Pride and early-season momentum hang in the balance as both sides aim to prove who the early pace-setters are.

Even though it remains early in the season, the pressure will be intense as both sides meet at the FNB Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday (7.30 pm kick-off).

Both teams enter this clash in contrasting form. While they have each begun their campaigns unbeaten, the stakes are high even though the season is only heading into its fourth match. The fixture already has the feel of a must-win as both sides look to assert early supremacy.

Chiefs have hit the ground running with a start many would not have expected, while Sundowns have gone the opposite way and need to recover from a disappointing MTN8 campaign following their loss to Orlando Pirates.

Nasreddine Nabi will be back on the bench for Chiefs, and while there are many questions for both coaches, the biggest will be whether Nabi can hand Cardoso a second consecutive loss or if the Portuguese coach can bounce back from the criticism he faced after the defeat to Pirates. Here, we look at five players who could help steer each side into a positive result.

Iqraam Rayners

The Brazilian forward has arguably been Sundowns’ most reliable performer last season and into the new campaign. His relentless hunger for goals, week after week, stands out. At 29, Rayners has already started strong, netting four goals in just six matches across all competitions. Having scored three times in four clashes against Chiefs last season, he remains the danger man to watch heading into the next match.

Arthur Sales

Sundowns’ midfielder has steadily come into his own since the start of the season, showing signs that this campaign could surpass the last. With Lucas Ribeiro Costa potentially sidelined, Sales will shoulder extra responsibility to help get his team back on track. Entrusted with significant duties in the early parts of the season, he has all the tools to deliver a decisive performance against Chiefs.

Gaston Sirino

This could be the perfect stage for the Uruguayan midfielder, who has yet to consistently deliver his best in a Chiefs shirt. There are signs of renewed energy, and his brilliant strike against Richards Bay FC in Sundowns’ recent win could be the goal that ignites his season, especially against his former club and teammates.

Wandile Duba

With a goal already this season, Wandile Duba has been one of Nabi’s standout performers. If he stays fit, his versatility could make him a key figure for Chiefs in this match and throughout the season. The 21-year-old, who scored in last season’s 2-1 Nedbank Cup win, will carry that momentum into this clash.

Tashreeq Matthews

Though he can be inconsistent at times, Matthews is fully capable of turning the tide on his own. With his pace and knack for creating scoring positions for himself, he could prove a key player for Sundowns in this high-stakes fixture, offering the team a different dimension in attack.