Consistency will be key for Kaizer Chiefs against Golden Arrows

Smiso Msomi

This Sunday, the Moses Mabhida Stadium will be abuzz with anticipation as Kaizer Chiefs host Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership encounter that promises to be pivotal in the upper echelons of the league standings.

Following a much-needed 2-1 victory against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium, Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson is imploring his teammates to build on this momentum for their upcoming match.

“It is very important, we want consistency," Peterson stated at the Nedbank Cup last 32 draw on Thursday.

The 30-year-old custodian is adamant that Chiefs fans will turn out in full force to lend their support, highlighting the significance of harnessing this home advantage to keep the momentum rolling.

As Chiefs aim to secure their third successive win at home, they sit fifth in the Premiership table, two points adrift of fourth-placed Sekhukhune United.

Victory over Arrows on Sunday could see them leap into the top four, contingent on the outcomes of other matches, particularly Sekhukhune's clash with SuperSport United.

However, this task will not be without its challenges. The Amakhosi have grappled with inconsistencies in their defensive line, having registered just one clean sheet in 12 league games this season.

Peterson acknowledges this struggle, insisting that the team must unite and show a tenacious spirit to ward off opponents. “It seems like we don’t have luck … it is a matter of pulling together and fighting,” he added.

On the opposing side, Golden Arrows are attempting to shake off a run of three winless matches, having recently settled for a 0-0 draw against KZN rivals AmaZulu FC.

Sitting ninth in the league, the Lamontville side is only three points behind the visiting Chiefs. Should other results align in their favour, a victory could see them climb into fifth place.

Both teams come into this fixture with no suspension worries. Nonetheless, Chiefs will be without injured trio Gaston Sirino, Edson Castillo, and Edmilson Dove, potentially reshaping their tactical setup.

For Arrows, Lungelo Nguse's season-ending injury and Thabani Zuke’s ongoing recovery will also be felt.

The spotlight, however, will be on two key figures: Chiefs’ Wandile Duba and Arrows’ Ryan Moon. Duba, 20, showcased his talent with a brace against Stellenbosch and will surely aim to emulate that performance.

Meanwhile, former Chiefs player Moon is keen to make an impact against his old club, having scored three goals in five league appearances this season.

With both teams hunting for vital points and capable players on either side, the clash promises to be an explosive encounter filled with passion, strategy, and a desire to consolidate their respective positions in the league table. For Chiefs, maintaining momentum could be the key to turning their season around, while Arrows will be desperate to reclaim their winning form.

Meetings between these two teams have been unpredictable in recent seasons with Arrows having the slight edge with three wins in the last five encounters while Chiefs have two.