Chiefs eager to protect streak

KAIZER Chiefs have recovered from their early exit from the Telkom Knockout and hope to use tomorrow's away game against Maritzburg United to consolidate their top spot on the Absa Premiership log.

Amakhosi, booted out of the Knockout Cup by BidVest Wits last Friday, take on The Team of Choice at Harry Gwala Stadium in a game that is expected to attract a capacity crowd.

General manager Bobby Motaung said they were geared up for a tough match but is brimming with confidence that they will maintain their unbeaten run in the league this season.

Chiefs and SuperSport United are the only clubs who are still to lose a game to date in the league this season.

"The defeat by Wits is behind us and we are now focusing on the league, where we have been doing very well despite being minus Jimmy Jambo and Jimmy Tau, who will be out of action for the remainder of the season due to injuries," Motaung said.

Jambo survived a career-threatening injury after a vicious tackle by Zimbabwean compatriot and former Chiefs midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha on Friday.

Tau tore a ligament in his left foot and has undergone an operation, the second one this year.

United have been doing well this season after going on a serious buying spree, with new signings including Delron Buckley, and are guided by former Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp.

The weekend fixtures:

TOMORROW

Harry Gwala: Maritzburg United vs Chiefs (8pm)

SATURDAY

Lucas Moripe Stadium: SuperSport United vs Bidvest Wits (3.30pm), Royal Bafokeng: Platinum Stars vs Free State Stars,

King Zwelithini Stadium: Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Chippa United (6pm), Cape Town Stadium: Ajax Cape Town vs Mamelodi Sundowns (6pm), Dobsonville: Moroka Swallows vs Black Leopards (8.15pm)

SUNDAY

Orlando: Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu (3.30pm) and Free State Stadium: Bloemfontein Celtic vs University of Pretoria (3.30pm).