Chiefs seek Carling Knockout response before Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs will try to recover from their CAF Confederation Cup exit when they face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout first round at FNB Stadium on Tuesday (19:00).

The match comes after Friday’s defeat by Zambian side Red Arrows, with coach Fernando da Cruz believing the quick return to action can help his team refocus. However, another early cup exit could increase pressure on the Frenchman, with Chiefs already eliminated from the MTN8 and the Confederation Cup.

Chiefs were beaten by Golden Arrows in the first round of the MTN8 in August before suffering a similar fate against Red Arrows in the Confederation Cup. The Zambian side won 3-2 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium after Chiefs had secured a 1-0 victory in regulation time.

That result levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate, after Chiefs had lost the first leg by the same scoreline in Ndola the previous Saturday.

Galaxy, who have made a poor start to the Betway Premiership season, could deepen Chiefs’ problems by winning at FNB Stadium. Da Cruz’s side then face their first Soweto derby of the campaign against Orlando Pirates at the same venue on Saturday at 15:30.

Da Cruz said the immediate opportunity to play again would allow his players to move on from the Confederation Cup disappointment.

“It’s very good to play the next game quickly [after losing] because we can switch our focus to the next game immediately. We must make sure that we qualify for the next round of the Carling Cup,” he said.

The Chiefs coach also urged people not to place undue pressure on his squad so early in the season.

“The most important thing is not to put pressure on these players,” Da Cruz said.

“We are only in October… it’s the beginning of the season and there’s still a lot of games to be played. We must just continue to work.”

Da Cruz believes Chiefs’ performances have been stronger than their results suggest and expects their fortunes to change if they maintain their approach.

“The team plays very well but it’s only the results that are not favouring us. We must continue this way, with character, with intensity we will win more and more games,” he said.

Fixtures

Carling Knockout

Tuesday: Orlando Pirates v Milford, Orlando (19:00); Kaizer Chiefs v TS Galaxy, FNB (19:00); Mamelodi Sundowns v Gallants, Loftus (19:00).

Wednesday: Durban v Stellenbosch, Chatsworth (19:00).

Betway Premiership

Friday: Gallants v Siwelele, Royal Bafokeng (19:30).

Saturday: Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs, FNB (15:30); Milford v Sekhukhune, Sugar Ray Xulu (15:30); Stellenbosch v Chippa, Danie Craven (18:00); AmaZulu v Arrows, Princess Magogo (18:00); Polokwane v TS Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba (18:00); Kruger v Bay, Mbombela (20:15); Mamelodi Sundowns v Durban, Royal Bafokeng (20:15).