High Flyers Mamelodi Sundowns turn their attention to an unpredictable Kaizer Chiefs challenge in the Betway Premiership clash on Saturday (kick-off 3.30pm).
Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at the top five players that need to make an impact on the match to set themselves up for the rest of their season.
Bradley Cross
The 24-year-old left-back has been in and out of the Amakhosi starting lineup, and with Thatayone Ditlhokwe leaving the Glamour Boys for greener pastures with Libyan club Al-lttihad, Cross could be in line to have a lot more game time.
The former Golden Arrows defender has an educated left foot and should he get the nod against the Brazilians, his position will be very critical, especially against a Sundowns side loaded with talented attackers on both wings.
A lot of his below-par showings have come in matches where Chiefs have had it tough and he was put on the spotlight due to their defensive shortfalls, and if they are to persist with him for the rest of the season, they need to back him fully for a few matches in order for him to regain his confidence.
Mfundo Vilakazi
The bright young 19-year-old has been one of the standout players this season for Chiefs, and despite being a bit short of game time in recent times, he has proven through some of the tough times that he is able to handle tough situations.
The attacking midfielder has scored two goals from his 16 appearances in the league for Amakhosi and he has made two appearances from the bench for the Glamour Boys in their losses in the Carling Knockout (4-0) and the league (2-1) clash earlier in the season.
Seen as a prospect for the future, a place in the starting lineup will be a long shot, but the impact he could have from the bench could launch him back into the starting eleven to play a key role for the rest of the season.
Bruce Bvuma
At the center of Chiefs struggles have been some of the inconsistencies in their defense, including their goalkeeping department.
Bruce Bvuma had seemingly done enough to make the number one spot his own with a couple of solid outings since being entrusted with the gloves after a couple of movements between himself, Fiacre Ntwari, and Brandon Peterson.
Amakhosi’s 4-1 defeat by Supersport United raised questions about the defense once against and question marks still remain about the goalkeeping department and there will be no better opportunity to put those doubts to rest by nullifying the league’s best attacking threat.
Peter Shalulile
Consistently the standout player in Sundowns colours, Peter Shalulile has had to work a lot harder in the last couple of seasons as goals haven’t come as easy and flawless like they had in seasons past.
Still possessing a lot of quality, the Namibian international has had to push hard this season, with second-highest league goal scorer Iqraam Rayners carrying on his form from Stellenbosch FC into his new home.
Still very much part of Miguel Cardoso’s plans, the 31-year-old could be perfectly placed to get back to his best against a Chiefs defense that will not be high in confidence after their showing against Matsatsantsa a Pitori in their last league outing.
Ranga Chivaviro
The 32-year-old striker is the only Chiefs player to score against Sundowns this season, and with 15 appearances and three goals to his name this season, his likely appearance from the bench could be a key factor in the contest.
The bulky striker has fallen down the pecking order, but with his build and the type of game he possesses, he will give Nasredine Nabi and Chiefs a different dimension to their game in attack.
