Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako has reaffirmed the club's determination to win the Carling Knockout Cup as Amakhosi look to recover from their earlier disappointments in other competitions this season. The left-back believes the tournament presents an important opportunity for the Soweto giants to secure silverware and reward their supporters.

Chiefs have already suffered two major setbacks after exiting the MTN8 and CAF Confederation Cup. Their MTN8 campaign ended in the opening round following a defeat to Golden Arrows, while their continental ambitions were halted by Zambian outfit Red Arrows.

Amakhosi failed to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after losing to Red Arrows in a penalty shootout, leaving the team with fewer opportunities to compete for trophies this season.

However, Chiefs have responded positively in the Carling Knockout Cup, recording an impressive 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Last 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Their next assignment is against Siwelele FC, with both sides preparing to meet again after their previous Betway Premiership encounter. Chiefs won that match 3-2, but Mako believes the upcoming knockout fixture will require a different level of concentration.

Speaking to the club's official website, the defender explained that lifting the trophy remains their ultimate ambition, although the immediate objective is to progress beyond the quarter-final stage.

"We aim to win this trophy, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves, and all that is on our minds is to get through this quarterfinal," he said.

Mako also recognised the quality of their opponents and warned his teammates against becoming complacent.

"They are difficult opponents, and we are aware of some of their strengths, but our primary focus is always on our own strategy of how to impose ourselves on them and win the match," he added.

Emphasising the importance of discipline and tactical awareness, he continued.

"We need to concentrate the whole time on executing what the coaches have told us," Mako continued.

The quarter-final encounter is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with kick-off set for 18:00.

Source:

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/carling-knockout-cup/we-aim-to-win-carling-trophy-chiefs-star/#google_vignette