Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel backs patient game plan for Sundowns showdown

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel says his side must resist the temptation to rush when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in a major Betway Premiership test on Saturday.

Chiefs welcome Sundowns to FNB Stadium at 15:00, with the hosts top of the table after opening the season with consecutive wins over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United. They have scored five goals and conceded only one in those matches.

However, Chiefs’ early success has been based less on complete dominance than on organisation, discipline and a careful approach to the fundamentals. They have done enough in attack to find the net while remaining difficult to break down defensively.

That method is likely to face its toughest examination against Sundowns, who have enjoyed a strong record in recent meetings with Amakhosi, particularly when playing away from home.

Miguel has experienced both sides of the relationship between Chiefs and their supporters. The Angola international has been criticised when his passing or decision-making has not met expectations, but has also been praised for his tackling and authority in defence.

The defender says he understands why the club’s fans can become impatient, but insists the players have to follow the instructions given by head coach Nasreddine Nabi and remain faithful to their tactical plan.

“I can understand the frustration of the supporters; sometimes they want things to happen quickly,” Miguel said. “But first of all, I have orders to follow from the coach, and we have a specific game plan to execute.

“Sometimes, we must not rush. We must be organised and aware of where our teammates are. Are they ready to receive the ball? Obviously, tactics are part of the game. I understand the fans want us to score quickly, but that isn’t always the reality of every match.”

Miguel believes patience will be particularly important against a Sundowns team capable of taking control if Chiefs lose their shape or surrender momentum.

“For instance, in the game against Sundowns, if we rush, they can gain momentum and fight back,” Miguel explained. “Sometimes, it is important to slow the tempo. It’s part of the tactic, even if I understand the supporters’ desire for us to play aggressively for the win.”

Sundowns will start as favourites despite travelling to Nasrec. The champions have conceded twice in each of their first two league games, but still secured successive 3-2 victories after late drama.

Miguel sees the early meeting with Sundowns as an opportunity rather than an unwanted responsibility. He says Chiefs will first concentrate on their own recovery and preparation before assessing how their opponents may approach the game.

“First of all, we have to respect Sundowns. The whole of South Africa must respect them – they are Champions League winners,” Miguel said. “We will face them with a lot of respect, but we cannot forget who we are.

“We need to understand that we have the capacity to overcome Sundowns. We must focus on ourselves, not them. Our energy will be spent on recovery and analysing how they intend to approach us.

“Their planning against us won’t be the same as it was for Polokwane. It will be difficult to stop us, but we also need to be just as clinical in how we stop them.”