CHIEFS VS DOWNS: THE SECOND BITE OF THE APPLE

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale
Kaizer Chiefs will play host to reigning league champions Mamelodi Sundowns for the second time in a space of three weeks, this time, in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup at the FNB stadium on Saturday evening. The Brazilians claimed all the three points when the two clashed at the same venue on the 28th of September 2024, winning the encounter 2-1 but Amakhosi will look to avenge themselves as they are also in search of their trophy in nine years.

Chiefs appointed Nabi as their head coach ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, bringing his own technical team in an effort to improve upon their disappointing 10th-place finish last season. The Naturena based side have won two matches, drew once and lost twice in five matches so far. They are currently sitting eighth on the log standings with seven points and will look to do well in league while at the same time competing for trophies in the progress. They will look to progress through to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup when they square off against Sundowns on Saturday.

Speaking before the media ahead of the game, Nabi said he had to be realistic about what Chiefs can achieve in his first season at the club, especially after a run of two games without a win.

“If I tell you today that the team I have can be a contender for the championship, I would be lying and not an honest man, we first need to build a strong team and then we can compete for trophies,” said Nabi.

“It doesn’t mean we won’t give everything we have to win games and if there’s a cup to win, try to win it, we have a spirit of winners, I want the players to have it too but again I repeat we need to be honest and realistic for everyone so there’s no misunderstandings,” added Nabi.
This encounter promises to be a mouth-watering affair as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has said that the match is sold out. Kick-off is at 6pm.