Chiefs Captain Targets Early Trophy Under Da Cruz
Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Peterson says Amakhosi are determined to make a strong start to the new season by winning the MTN8, believing the competition can provide the perfect platform to build momentum under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Chiefs return to the MTN8 after missing out on the top-eight competition for the past two seasons. Their last appearance came in the 2023/24 campaign, when they were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals.
Amakhosi secured their place in this season’s tournament after finishing in the top three of the Betway Premiership last season, and Peterson believes their return offers an opportunity to make an immediate statement.
“Yeah, for sure. I think being back in the MTN8 is motivation on its own because we know how it felt not to be part of it,” he said.
“And I think that alone sets the tone for us. It shows us that it’s there now, it’s within reach.
“As you said, it’s four games and we’re there. I think the most important one is this weekend. That’s the first hurdle, the first step, and that’s Golden Arrows.
“It’s important for us to hit the ground running and make sure we set the tone for the season. If you win this trophy, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
“So that’s the thinking for us now. That’s the goal – to go all the way in this tournament and lay a strong foundation for the rest of the season.”
Chiefs will face Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium on Sunday, with Peterson fully aware of the importance of overcoming the opening hurdle.
The Soweto giants are also chasing their first MTN8 title since 2014, when they defeated arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final. That victory secured a record-extending 15th MTN8 crown, and Chiefs remain the competition’s most successful club despite their lengthy wait for another triumph.
The quarter-final will also provide another opportunity for Chiefs to showcase their progress under Da Cruz, who has implemented a possession-based style of play since taking charge.
Peterson believes the squad is adapting well to the Frenchman’s philosophy, particularly his emphasis on purposeful possession and maintaining a high tempo.
“I think, as you could see, Coach Fernando wants the ball all the time,” he said.
“But it’s not just about having the ball for the sake of it. He wants us to be effective, and, like you said, it’s about the tempo.
“There’s a certain tempo he wants us to play at. It’s not just for the sake of it because, nowadays, teams play against Chiefs by sitting back, waiting for us to make a mistake, and then trying to hit us on the counter.
“When teams defend in a low block or a mid-block, it’s important to keep the ball moving, make them run, and open up those spaces.
“Those are the things he emphasizes, and I think the players are adapting to them very well, as you could see in the first league game.
“For us, it’s about sharpening those aspects and making sure we can maintain them throughout the season and turn them into one of our biggest strengths.”
