Matchday 1 - preview
Kaizer Chiefs v Thanda
JOHANNESBURG, August 29 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu begin their Absa Premier League campaign against Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria on Saturday, knowing they must improve on last season’s performance if they are to stay clear of any battle against relegation.
The Amabhubesi endured a battling finale to the 2007/08 period, only just avoiding the drop in the closing weeks of the season and coach Roger Palmgren will be hoping the players have learnt their lesson.
This week Palmgren named striker Bernard Parker as captain and our new skipper is confident the team can start positively against the Amakhosi this weekend.
“It’s going to be exciting yet difficult for both teams,” he said. “We know what they are like after seeing them in their televised games lately.”
Fellow striker Norman Smith, a new signing from Golden Arrows added: “We are all looking forward to playing Chiefs. Their current form is not something we are concerned about. We have prepared well so far.”
Smith is one of several new faces that have come in to the Kwa-Zulu Natal club since the conclusion of last season, but the biggest arrival came on Thursday when veteran striker Peter Ndlovu signed a one-year contract.
The Zimbabwean is in the squad to play Chiefs, but another new player Nkosinathi Nhleko is serving the first of a two-match suspension, while midfielders Bongani Mbhele and Clement Mazibuko as well as defender Japie Motale are all injured.
Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral also has his fair share of worries heading into the game.
Defender Onismor Bhasera and Kaizer Motaung Junior are both injured, while Jose Torrealba is suspended following his red card in the MTN 8 semi-final against Swallows last weekend.
The Soweto club have been in supreme form of late finishing second in the Telkom Charity Cup, whilst also scoring six goals in three games as they booked their place in the MTN 8 final.
But their coach wants them to put aside thoughts of the meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns on September 20 and concentrate on the league opener with Thanda.
He said: “I am not thinking about the final now; my eyes are all in the opening game against Thanda Royal Zulu. It is unfortunate that Jose Torrealba will not be available for the game after he was shown a red card today.
“I am going to have a chat with him this week because I thought he should have handled the incident much better.”