Kaze: Siwelele Clash Key To Chiefs’ Mindset Ahead Of Simba Showdown
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze says their midweek encounter against Siwelele is crucial for getting the team into the right frame of mind ahead of Sunday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round second leg against AS Simba.
Chiefs will host Siwelele in a Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, hoping to build momentum before facing Simba on Sunday.
Amakhosi have managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions.
That victory came via a penalty shootout against Kabuscorp in the second leg of the Confederation Cup’s first preliminary round, after overturning a 1–0 first-leg deficit in Angola.
Chiefs’ last outright win was a 1–0 victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, when Flavio da Silva scored on debut at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 30 August.
“Every team that plays against Kaizer Chiefs feels it’s a moment of their lives to showcase themselves,” said Kaze.
“Our players are aware of that — the competition is always tough. But this week is crucial for us as a club, especially with the Siwelele game coming before another important fixture on Sunday.
“We have to manage the squad carefully, maybe do a bit of rotation without compromising ourselves, because the game in the DRC was very tough — physically, mentally, and even in terms of the players’ health.”
Chiefs played out a goalless draw against Simba in the first leg in Kinshasa on Saturday, but should have secured a win if not for a glaring last-minute miss by Ashley du Preez.
Kaze continued: “After travelling back, we now have a game on Wednesday. We need to win it with fresh legs and fresh minds to maintain intensity.
“We’re also thinking about Sunday’s game, which is very important. But we have the squad and the quality for it. What’s key is motivation — to go out there on Wednesday, win every duel, fight for every ball, and make it happen for us to collect three points.”
The second leg of the Confederation Cup tie will be played at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the group stages.
