Johannesburg - Following their Confederation of African Football (CAF) exploits, the top three South African teams return to local Premiership action on Wednesday.
Orlando Pirates were the only team to advance to the next stage of African competition as they made it through to the last eight of the Confederations Cup after drawing 2-2 away to URA FC in their second leg match at the Mandela National Stadium, in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday.
Both Chiefs and Sundowns, however, were dumped out of the top-tier Champions league after losses in their second-leg matches on Sunday.
Now, Chiefs in particular can focus their efforts on wrapping up the Premiership title as they hope to build on their six point lead at the top of the table with six games remaining in their season.
The AmaKhosi face bottom of the table AmaZulu at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Thursday in a 7pm kickoff. Chiefs on 54 points, are no fewer than 34 points ahead of the Premiership strugglers. The contest however should provide an interesting contest as AmaZulu will be desperate to avoid the chop.
The Durban-based outfit come off a crucial 1-0 league win over Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium, in Durban, on Saturday and would be buoyed by that result.
AmaZulu coach Steve Barker, however, said he knew his charges would be in for a battle against the much-fancied Chiefs.
“Look, Chiefs are not an easy team and they are now getting pressure from teams behind them. We must focus on our strengths and take our chances,” said Barker.
“I think we have done well when it comes to set pieces and I am sure we can still improve from there. We have become a team that is better known for the set pieces and so have Chiefs.”
For Pirates, hosting Platinum Stars at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm will provide the opportunity to transfer their CAF form back onto local shores. The Buccaneers on 43 points in third spot on the log, trail Chiefs by 11 points but are just three points behind Sundowns - although the Brazilians have a game in hand.
Platinum Stars, meanwhile, would be keen to improve on their 11th place on the log with their 27 points.
At the same time on Wednesday, Black Aces welcome Sundowns to Mbombela Stadium in another crucial league encounter. With a win, albeit temporarily, Sundowns - second on the log- can close the gap to five points with a win which would move them up to 49 points. Aces would also be desperate for a win at home to move away from the relegation zone. Aces are only three points above the bottom three with their 25 points, which sees them occupy 12th position on the table.
ANA