Chiefs In Weekend Double Header Cup Clash
Kaizer Chiefs squad physical and psychological mettle will come under severe scrutiny when they compete in 2 cup finals this weekend.
Chiefs will lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday for the Shell Helix Ultra Cup in what promises to be a super charged affair as both teams coaches, Ernst Middendorp and Pitso Mosimane are engaged in a mind games of sorts and the latest was a public spat on TV that ended up spilling over to fans on social media.
Amakhosi on the Sunday afternoon after the super charged Sundowns affair will travel to Bloemfontein to meet Celtic in the annual Macufe Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will have enough gas reserves in their tank to tackle a fresh Siwelele that draws so much inspiration in front of their passionate home crowd.
The second stage of the setting in Middendorp-Mosimane show comes in two weeks time when the two teams draw their daggers again in a PSL clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, on October 27.
The two ties will determine which club and coach has the bragging rights and can walk with his shoulders held high as the real action comes to where it matters most: the field of play.
All the banter and sizing each other becomes irrelevant without solid action on the pitch.
Amakhosi are a side looking to redeem themselves by restoring confidence and self belief in their squad and amongst their faithfuls as they have not won a trophy in over three-seasons.
They might be desperate for silverware this weekend no matter how big, just to appease their demanding fans and glamour club status.
The two friendly fixtures might be a plus to their cause as they keep the pre-international break momentum going whilst also affording an opportune time to test the depth of their squad.
Chiefs this season definitely look the part unless they choke somewhere along the way as their desire to retain to the summit of South African football has yielded 19 points from their opening eight games of the season and currently topping the ABSA Premiership standings in the process .
Chiefs football manager draws on the positives of participating in both Cup games.
“We will use this invitation fruitfully as an opportunity to keep the players sharp. This is also an opportunity for some of the players to get a run. We have a solid squad to compete in any event.”
“Most importantly we will use these games as a way to minimise the effects of the FIFA break on the momentum of the team,” echoed Bobby Motaung.
By Gerald Dandah
