CAPE TOWN – Kaizer Chiefs received two massive boosts on Thursday ahead of the big showdown with Cape Town City on Saturday.
New signings Lebogang Manyama and Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Aro Hasina Andrianarimanana have both been declared fit and available to take on the Citizens in an Absa Premiership clash at the Cape Town Stadium (3pm kickoff).
It is a welcome return for Manyama, who celebrated his 28th
birthday on Thursday.
The Bafana playmaker has had to sharpen up his fitness after not getting much game time at his Turkish club Konyaspor, but now he is in line to make his Amakhosi debut against former side City at his old home ground.
‘Dax’ has had to wait for official clearance from Fifa to be registered at Chiefs after his former Madagascan club Fosa Juniors FC claimed they still had a contract with him.
Chiefs and Dax won the case this week, and coach Giovanni Solinas will be delighted to have the attacking midfielder up for selection.
The Glamour Boys have yet to win a league game this season, with four draws and a defeat, so they need all the help they can get to knock over Benni McCarthy’s team.
Chiefs said on their website that defender Erick Mathoho will not make the trip to the Mother City.
“Dax and Lebo are very good players, and their availability will have a positive impact on the team,” Siphelele Ntshangase told the Chiefs website on Thursday.
Midfielder Ntshangase is hoping that their Cape supporters can inspire them to victory on Saturday.
“Playing in Cape Town feels like playing at home. Our supporters always come out in numbers to support us in the Mother City,” he said.
“We worked a lot on our shape (during the international break), where to be on the pitch at what time in relation to be ball and your opponent.
“I didn’t get many opportunities to play last season. I am happy to get game time this season, although I am not as yet entirely happy with my performances so far. I need to get better, and I am working hard at training to do that.”
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