Fernando da Cruz urges Kaizer Chiefs to show ‘cup spirit’ against Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says his side must adopt a different mentality when they face Siwelele in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals on Sunday.

The match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane kicks off at 6pm, with Chiefs looking to respond after suffering their first league defeat of the season in last Saturday’s 2-1 Soweto derby loss to Orlando Pirates.

Amakhosi have also drawn five of their league matches this season, but Da Cruz says cup football requires greater intensity from the outset.

“The players are aware that we need a cup spirit in this game as it’s a totally different game from a league game,” he told a media conference at the PSL offices in Parktown.

“We need to start the game strongly and focus throughout.”

Chiefs have already missed out on two cup opportunities this season. They were eliminated by the quarter-final stage of the MTN8 and exited the CAF Confederation Cup in the second preliminary round.

Da Cruz said the club was determined to avoid another early disappointment and reach the last four of the Carling Knockout.

“Our main target is to qualify for the next round, the semifinals,” he said.

“We respect Siwelele a lot, hence we’ve prepared for this game very seriously.”

Although Chiefs are the home side, the quarter-final will be played in Polokwane rather than Johannesburg. Da Cruz does not believe the venue will make a significant difference to their prospects.

“Yes we are not playing in Johannesburg but our main focus is only on the field, where we will try to win the game.”

The Chiefs coach also welcomed the arrival of Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana, who joined the club after a difficult period in recent seasons.

Da Cruz said the forthcoming Fifa window would give the coaching staff an opportunity to improve Mokwana’s fitness before gradually bringing him into the first-team squad.

“Mokwana is a very good player, an experienced player as well. He was in the Bafana set-up before, so he has a lot of quality. We know that he’s had tough times in recent seasons, but we have a Fifa break,” he said.

“So, during the Fifa break we will have time to work with him, and I think after the Fifa break it will be time to integrate him into the squad, step by step.”

Carling Knockout quarter-final fixtures

Tomorrow: Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune, Orlando Stadium (3pm)

Sunday: Kaizer Chiefs v Siwelele, Peter Mokaba Stadium (6pm); Stellenbosch v AmaZulu, Danie Craven Stadium (6pm)

CAF Super Cup final

Sunday: Mamelodi Sundowns v USM Alger, Loftus Versfeld (3pm)