Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Rival fans’ views

All attention turns to the FNB stadium this weekend as Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the first huge clash of the Betway Premiership season.

While Sundowns head into the game as favourites, Chiefs will be buoyed by their great start to the season and will be hoping their new manager Nasreddine Nabi can guide them to a famous victory over the current champions.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will be hoping to continue their flawless start to the season, having won both their games so far.

Sundowns will head into this weekend’s clash on the back of a convincing win over Marumo Gallants FC, winning 4-1, and will be hoping the goals will continue to flow at FNB stadium this weekend.

Chiefs also head into the game having won both their games this season. However the Amakhosi have struggled in recent seasons, and will be hoping that a win over Sundowns can give them the perfect push for this season.

To get a sense of the anticipation and excitement surrounding this match, Showmax spoke to a die-hard fan of each team. Their insights into the rivalry, the strengths and weaknesses of their respective clubs, and their predictions for the outcome, offer a fascinating glimpse into the passionate world of football.

Catch the epic clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns live on Showmax Premier League, on Saturday, 28 September at 15:00.

Tshegofatso Rakoma: Mamelodi Sundowns fan
Score prediction: A comfortable 3-0 victory. Goals from Lucas Ribiero and Iqraam Rayners.

How much are you looking forward to your team facing Kaizer Chiefs this weekend?
I'm looking forward to this game because Chiefs v Sundowns is always a good game and it always delivers goals. So I’m excited for it.

Do you fear Chiefs at all when you come up against them these days ?
I wouldn't say I don't fear them, but this is the kind of game where you wouldn't want to underestimate Chiefs because they could potentially prove to be a banana skin for us.

Chiefs have a new manager now. Do you think they will improve this season?
I don't know much about their new coach, but from the little I know and his pedigree I don't see how he can make them play any worse. I doubt they will be as bad as last season, so I expect significant improvement from them.

Sundowns are arguably the most feared team in the league. How proud are you of your team and do you think you guys can win the title once again?
I am very proud. It's been a good 10 years for us and a lot of people forget about bad we were before Pitso Mosimane came and saved us. So I'm very proud and I think we can definitely win the title again.

Do you believe that your starting 11 is far better than Chiefs starting 11?
Far, far better. No offence to them, but player for player we are better. Even our bench is better.

Who has the better kit between the two teams?
Well… I like the Chiefs one actually, not sure if it's green or what but I like what Kappa has done with that kit, but I think our Away kit takes it. Puma have done a good job with that.

How big is the rivalry between Chiefs and Sundowns?
Personally for me, it's massive, because I remember all those times where Chiefs would beat us in those cup finals and for me they will always be that team. Not beating Chiefs will always leave me depressed.\

Mohua Tlali: Kaizer Chiefs fan
Score prediction: I think it’s going to be a low scoring game compared to the previous games. Chiefs will win 1-0.

How much are you looking forward to this weekend's clash against Sundowns?
I was supposed to be out of the province and had to cancel my plans just for this game. This is just how big and important this game is for me.

Chiefs aren’t the team they once were. Do you think teams like Sundowns still fear Chiefs when they come up against them these days?
That’s the sad truth, Kaizer Chiefs has fallen behind in recent times. Teams fancy their chances whenever they face us, Sundowns being one of them. Look at the past results, they had their way, winning by big margins. I think Downs will come to this game highly motivated.

Chiefs have a new manager now. Do you expect them to vastly improve this season?
Off the field, things looks promising. There’s this energy that the new manager Nabi and his technical team brought to KC, everyone looks happy and confident. It will be a matter of time before this energy shows in the field of play. So I do think Kaizer Chiefs will do better and compete for honours.

Sundowns are arguably the most feared team in the league. Are you worried about facing them?
I’m not necessarily worried about Sundowns. In fact I wanted to meet them early after they made changes in their technical team. We all saw how they played against top side (Stellies) that took the game to them, We will match them pound for pound.

Do you believe that your starting 11 is better than Sundowns starting 11?
On paper, Sundowns still has the best squad in the country. They have the luxury to bench Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau and still go out there and name the best line-up. As for Kaizer Chiefs, their reinforcements were good this transfer period but the squad is still thin.

Who has the better kit between the two teams?
It is obvious! I think having Jessica involved in the production of our jerseys gives KC an edge. She understands that football jerseys are no longer made for “stadiums" only. You can go to any function wearing our beautiful Kappa jersey.

How big is the rivalry between Chiefs and Sundowns?
I would say it is the second biggest rivalry in the country. Two teams with most trophies in a PSL era. Most Downs fans first claim that it dates back from 1998 when an official disallowed their goal in a cup final, lol.

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