Da Cruz urges Kaizer Chiefs to embrace ‘cup spirit’ against Siwelele FC

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his players must adopt a ruthless knockout mentality when they face Siwelele FC in Sunday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final.

The match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane offers Chiefs the chance to reach the semi-finals and keep their hopes of winning silverware alive. Da Cruz, speaking to the media on Wednesday, made clear that progressing to the last four was the immediate priority, while maintaining respect for their opponents.

“Our target is to qualify for the next round. We have a lot of respect for Siwelele, but we are determined to go through to the last four,” he said.

Chiefs have already defeated the Bloemfontein-based side in the Betway Premiership this season. However, Da Cruz believes that result offers no advantage ahead of their cup meeting, highlighting changes to Siwelele’s coaching staff and starting line-up.

“I have told the players to forget about that game. It’s in a different competition altogether. They have a new coach and a different starting XI, so the previous game means nothing for this one. We have to just focus on how we want to play this game,” he said.

The Frenchman also played down the significance of the venue, insisting that moving from Johannesburg to Polokwane would not alter the way Chiefs prepare or approach the contest.

“Whether we play in Joburg or Polokwane, our focus on the game we must play is the same. We are only concentrating on the match,” he added.

Da Cruz is aware that cup football can produce unexpected results and says his squad must show a different mindset from the one needed during league matches. With a semi-final place at stake, he wants Chiefs to ensure they do not become the victims of an upset.

“The players are aware that we need a ‘cup spirit’, which is different to a PSL game. Upsets can happen in football, so we know we must play the match with a winning spirit in order to ensure that does not happen to us,” he said.

The Chiefs coach also underlined the wider importance of winning the Carling Knockout Cup. He believes lifting the trophy could provide a platform for renewed momentum for the club and its players.

“When we start a cup competition, our intention is always to win the trophy. Winning it can mark the start of a good momentum for the club, the players and everybody going forward,” Da Cruz said.