Paseka Mako: Kaizer Chiefs targeting Carling Knockout Cup success

Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako says the club is determined to win the Carling Knockout Cup after suffering two disappointing exits earlier this season.

Amakhosi were knocked out of the MTN8 in the opening round by Golden Arrows before their continental campaign ended against Zambian side Red Arrows. Red Arrows progressed to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the tie on penalties.

Kaizer Chiefs responded with a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup, setting up a quarter-final meeting with Siwelele FC this weekend.

Mako said the club’s focus was firmly on overcoming what he expects to be a challenging opponent, rather than looking beyond the next match.

“We aim to win this trophy, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, and all that is on our minds is to get through this quarterfinal,” he said.

“They are difficult opponents, and we are aware of some of their strengths, but our primary focus is always on our own strategy of how to impose ourselves on them and win the match.

“We need to concentrate the whole time on executing what the coaches have told us.”

The sides have already faced each other once in the Betway Premiership this season, with Kaizer Chiefs claiming a 3-2 victory.

Their Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final will be played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 on Sunday, 8 November.