Bhele available for Downs clash
Bhele available for Downs clash

Posted in News on May 04, 2001.

Kaizer Chiefs top striker Siyabonga Nomvete will be available for selection as he only has three bookings. Defender Lifa Gqosha is out injured but he would have not made the squad due to injury. His place is likely to be filled by promising youngster Nhlanhla Kubheka.

Defending league champions Sundowns take on Amakhosi in a clash which could decide the fate of the championship at Loftus on Monday at 20:00.

Victory for Sundowns will see them tighten the grip at the top of the league standings while for Chiefs it would revive their championship aspirations.

The Brazilians are on pole position with 58 points after 31 matches closely followed by Orlando Pirates with 56 points from 30 games. Chiefs are placed fourth with 47 points from 28 matches.

A draw will not be a suitable outcome for both sides as it might favour Pirates, who will play against Sundowns on March 16 at Loftus.

Sundowns are unbeaten in their last five league matches with victories against Classic (3-1), Free State Stars (2-1) and Golden Arrows (2-1). The Pretoria side got away with two points from their encounters with Wits and Santos. They also recorded an upset 2-0 win against Chiefs in the semifinals of the Bob Save Super Bowl competition.

Chiefs have games in hand but past experience dictates that points in the bag a better than games in hand. The Naturena side only had one league match (2-0 win against Jomo Cosmos) in April due to cup and African club commitments. Their record has been impressive until the Super Bowl semifinals.

Whatever happens at Loftus, the 2000/2001 Premiership is geared to be a photo finish and the same applies in the relegation battle.

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