Da Cruz welcomes Sundowns test as Chiefs target Carling Knockout final

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes a Carling Knockout semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns will provide another important test for his developing side, while insisting their objective is to reach the final.

Chiefs earned their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. Their reward is an away tie against Sundowns, although the league has yet to confirm the dates and venues for the semi-finals. The matches are expected to be played after the current Fifa break.

Asanele Velebayi came off the bench to score the decisive goal, marking his first since joining Chiefs in August last year.

Siwelele took the lead early in the first half through Siyabonga Ndebele, but Wandile Duba levelled for Amakhosi on the stroke of half-time. Chiefs had missed an opportunity to equalise seven minutes earlier when Mduduzi Shabalala sent a penalty over the crossbar.

Da Cruz said the quality of the opposition in the next round would be beneficial to his squad’s development.

“We knew when we qualified for the semifinals we’d play a big game there. We need this type of game because our team needs to grow. With this type of game against Sundowns our team will grow,” he said.

“It will be a very good game for us and we will play that game for sure to qualify for the final.”

The semi-final represents another opportunity for Chiefs to challenge for silverware after setbacks in two other competitions this season. They were knocked out of the MTN8 in the quarter-finals in August and failed to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages last month.

Their league campaign has also lacked consistency, with Chiefs having already recorded five draws.

Da Cruz believes the Carling Knockout win can provide a lift after a difficult opening period and help his players build momentum.

“When you win, it’s always a pleasure. It gives confidence to the team and allows us to be on a positive dynamic. At the start of the season we didn’t get the results we expected, but I am happy about the work of the team and the mindset and how the team progressed as well,” the Chiefs coach said.