Amakhosi midfield dynamo, Siphesihle Ndlovu believes Kaizer Chiefs must defeat Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mbombela stadium on Sunday to keep pace at the top end of the Betway Premiership table.

Undefeated in the league after six rounds, with three wins and three draws, they face the only team to beat them in the campaign to date, in an MTN8 quarterfinal encounter early in August. Most recently, Amakhosi were held 1-1 by Polokwane City last Saturday.

“Obviously we were disappointed not to get the win against Polokwane but we have had a week to prepare for this one and it’s going to be an interesting game because we have played them already and we know it won’t be an easy ride, but it’s very important for us to go into the break on the back of a positive result,” Ndlovu says.

While holding a healthy respect for their opponents, the 29-year-old is confident that Chiefs are well equipped to meet the challenge and present some threats of their own.

“They are a possession-based side that is also dangerous in transition so they are tricky to play against but we have our own tactical plan that will nullify their strengths and pose them problems,” he adds.

With goalkeeper and captain, Brandon Petersen, as well as in-form striker, Wandile Duba unavailable after picking up injuries during the week, Ndlovu insists there is sufficient depth within the playing squad to overcome the absence of the duo.

“They are two important players in our team but in football you have to deal with unforeseen circumstances and, as the coaches always tell us, we are a squad and every player has to be ready to step up when needed, so we trust the players who will come in to fulfil the roles they are given,” he states.

Amakhosi currently lie fourth on the Betway Premiership log, with 12 points from six games, only a point off second place, but eight behind top spot, so Ndlovu feels they must collect maximum points against Abafana Bes’thende.

“If we want to stay in the title race, this game is vital to us continuing our journey, so whether we win in style or by grinding it out, we want those three points on Sunday,” he says.

With Arrows’ home fixture taking place in Mpumalanga rather than KwaZulu-Natal, Amakhosi could well enjoy a majority of fan support inside the Mbombela stadium, something Ndlovu thinks can tilt the advantage in their favour.

“I look forward to seeing our fans and urge them to come out in numbers. We are going to need them to give us the extra edge away from home that could make the difference for us,” he concludes.

Tickets for the match are available online through Computicket, as well as in-store at Shoprite and Checkers outlets, at a cost of R100.

The match kicks off at 15:00.