Amakhosi eye silverware to boost confidence at the club

KAIZER Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz believes Carling Knockout Cup glory can light a fire under Amakhosi after their Soweto Derby setback.

The Frenchman said lifting the trophy would give the club, players and supporters a major boost as Chiefs prepare for a tricky quarter-final against Siwelele FC.

Amakhosi will face Siwelele at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo on Sunday, 8 November, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.

Da Cruz said silverware has been one of Chiefs’ main targets since the campaign kicked off. He believes a deep run in the competition can help build belief inside the dressing room and bring smiles back to the stands.

“When we started this season, we always wanted to win the cup. For us, it can help create good dynamics for the squad, the club and everyone,” said Da Cruz.

But the Chiefs mentor knows Siwelele will not arrive in Polokwane to make up the numbers. He warned his men to stay sharp, respect the opponent and do the job.

“Our main target will be to qualify for the next round, the semi-finals. We respect Siwelele a lot. We have prepared very seriously for this game, and our only focus is to qualify for the next round,” he said.

Chiefs head into the cup clash needing a strong response after losing 2-1 to bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership last Saturday.

Pirates handed Amakhosi their first league defeat of the season in the Soweto Derby, leaving Da Cruz and his players plenty to fix before returning to knockout football.

For Chiefs, the Carling Knockout is more than another fixture. It’s a chance to calm the noise, rebuild confidence and move one step closer to ending the club’s wait for more silverware.

Siwelele, however, will be desperate to spoil the party and grab their own place in the last four.

That sets up a tense battle in Polokwane, where Da Cruz’s Chiefs must show character, hunger and composure when it matters most. For Amakhosi, only victory will do now.