Chiefs target Carling Knockout semi-finals against Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says reaching the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals is the club’s immediate priority when they host Siwelele FC on Sunday.

The quarter-final will be played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane rather than Chiefs’ usual home venue, FNB Stadium. However, Da Cruz does not believe the change will disadvantage his side.

Speaking to journalists at the PSL offices in Parktown, Johannesburg, during Thursday’s Carling Knockout Cup media day, the French coach said Chiefs had prepared seriously for the match and would approach Siwelele with respect.

“Our main target will be to qualify for the next round, for the semi-final. We respect Siwelele a lot. We prepare very seriously for this game. Our only focus is to qualify for the next round,” Da Cruz said.

The change of location was raised with Da Cruz, who insisted that the team’s circumstances would not provide an excuse if they failed to progress.

“No, it’s not a disadvantage. We don’t play this game in Jo’burg. We play in Polokwane, but we only must be focused on the field to win this game and to qualify for the next round.”

The Chiefs manager was also asked what winning the competition would mean to him personally and what effect lifting the trophy could have on the players and the club.

Da Cruz said success in the tournament could help build momentum within the squad and create a positive atmosphere throughout the club.

“When we start to play a cup in the season, we always want to win the cup. For us, it can help us to start to have a good dynamic for the squad, for the club, for everyone,” he added.

Kick-off time moved

The PSL has also confirmed a change to the start time for Sunday’s fixture.

The match had originally been scheduled for 15:00 but will now begin at 18:00 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Chiefs will be aiming to use their support in Polokwane to help secure a place in the final four of the Carling Knockout Cup.