Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane believes his former club can get something out of this weekend’s clash with league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, despite the odds being stacked against them.
Chiefs find themselves 26 points behind the league leaders, and head into the game on the back of a string of bad results.
However, Yeye, as he is affectionately known, believes his former club could spring a surprise come Saturday.
Le bromance is real, even beyond the field! 🫶🏽
Watch Maart & Dortley take on the ultimate challenge: answer as many questions possible before the clock runs out! ⏳ Will they nail it? 😆 Tune in to find out who’s got the speed AND the answers!
@Vodacom | #VupYourSummer pic.twitter.com/Sro093NnTL— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 27, 2025
“It is a very difficult game for Chiefs to play,” Letsholonyane told Showmax this week.
“Sundowns are on a high, having won their last two games. Chiefs haven’t had good results, but on Saturday that will have a little to do with that game. A team that creates and uses more of their chances will win the match.”
The 3.30pm kick-off at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at, will be shown live on Showmax Premier League.
Letsholonyane says Chiefs being the underdog heading into this clash could work in their favour.
“Chiefs can get something out of this game, especially since people are expecting them to lose this game. They just need to remain calm and do what the coach tells them to do, work extremely hard and just be in the moment.”
Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!
🏆#BetwayPrem
⚽️Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
🗓️Saturday 01 March 2025
🏟Lucas Moripe Stadium
🕞15h30
📺SuperSport 202
🎟SOLD OUT 🚫
📢Please come early! #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/i7f2Ce38PP— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 26, 2025
Letsholonyane, who also played for Sundowns, says Chiefs’ inconsistency this season has been their biggest problem.
“There is a lot of inconsistency from Chiefs, and also with them having a whole new technical team hasn’t made it easy, so they will need more time to get to the level of consistency. But that doesn’t mean they can’t hurt Sundowns on the day.”
Letsholonayne says it’s important that Chiefs players understand the coach better in order to turn things around.
“It’s just a matter of the players understanding what the coach wants them to do, but that will take time. Once they do, it will then create consistency with the players he selects for games and then the results will start coming.”
Our team. Our colours. Our stadium.👆
Let’s fill Lucas and paint it yellow! 💛#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/3CxT6S2Q6i
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 27, 2025
Despite Sundowns finding themselves on top of the table and scoring at free will lately, Yeye says the Brazilians haven’t been at their best either.
“The mere fact that they are on top of the log still, they are doing well. Probably not as good as people expected, but remember that there’s been a change in technical team there too. So they are doing okay.”
Asked what it was like to represent two of the biggest football clubs in the country, Letsholonyane said.
“Representing Kaizer Chiefs was an honour and a privilege. I mean with that kind of history behind it, a team that is known all over the continent and a team that always and effortlessly fill every stadium that they play in, is something special.
“But all that definitely comes with a pressure on another level. But that is why it is a big team and as a footballer, you live for those moments of constant pressure and overcoming them.”
Meanwhile, David Kannemeyer, who also represented both Chiefs and Sundowns, says he is looking forward to the clash between his two former teams.
“It will be a very good game. Sundowns is the team that is in form, and they are the best team at the moment in the country,” says Kannemeyer.
“Chiefs, however, are still blowing hot and cold, trying to find their feet under the new coach. Personally, I don’t think Chiefs can get anything from the game this weekend as Sundowns are consistent, so I expect them to win.”
Showmax Premier League ambassador, sportscaster and radio legend Robert Marawa is also expecting a Sundowns win, but he is expecting a fight from the Amakhosi.
“Sundowns have got two players that are number one and number two in the top goalscoring charts in Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners,” says Marawa.
“Both of them have also assisted on six occasions, so Sundowns are firing right now. They got an exciting attack and I’m looking forward to it.
“Unfortunately for Kaizer Chiefs, they lie a further 26 points behind Sundowns, so maybe for them it’s not about a title chase, but rather making sure that in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s first full season they finish in the top eight, which is good co-comfort for them.”
Marawa adds that the Amakhosi will miss their star player Gastón Sirino this weekend.
“I am disappointed that one man I thought would be playing is suspended for the game, after he got sent off against SuperSport and that is Gastón Sirino.
“He has shown star quality, and so it’s disappointing that he won’t be playing due to suspension. All of Chiefs hopes will lay with the trio of Glody Lilepo, Thabo Cele and Tashreeq Morris.
“The new signings have been good and have earned their places in the starting lineup. I have been particularly impressed with Cele, he’s got the pedigree and ability, and can be a regular for Bafana Bafana.”
Marawa is also expecting goals.
“I look forward to a cracker of a game. Could it be a high scoring game? We shall see. The one thing I can guarantee is that it won’t be a goalless draw. Brace yourself for another classic Sundowns showdown, and a very improved Chiefs side.
“The match up should be great. I am going to take a wild swing at something I don’t usually do and give a score prediction. I would give this one 3-1 to Sundowns.” I Showmax Premier League
