Kaizer Chiefs approach Sundowns showdown with confidence, says Inacio Miguel

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel says Saturday’s meeting with reigning CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns should be viewed as a privilege and a responsibility rather than a source of pressure.

Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The match, at the venue also known as the Calabash, represents the biggest test yet of Chiefs’ perfect start to the Betway Premiership season.

The hosts have won both of their opening league fixtures. They began with a 3-1 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium before beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

That form has given Kaizer Chiefs confidence, but the challenge will increase significantly against a Mamelodi Sundowns side that currently holds the continental title. The two clubs have also produced competitive meetings in the past, adding further interest to the fixture.

Speaking after the victory over Sekhukhune United, head coach Fernando da Cruz said his team would need to “up the ante” to match the level set by the African champions. He added that the match would provide an important measure of Chiefs’ readiness for the season.

Miguel, however, insists the team will not approach the fixture with fear or alter its principles. He said the players would follow the plans established for the campaign and treat Mamelodi Sundowns in the same way they treated their previous opponents.

“The message is clear: we fear no one. No matter if they are champions of the Champions League or the PSL top-flight. We’ll face them like we faced Sekhukhune, starting the game with the same ambition and fighting spirit,” Miguel said.

The defender also rejected the idea that Chiefs were under pressure to produce a result. Instead, he said the players recognised the importance of representing the club and giving their supporters a performance that could bring joy and pride.

“I always say to the young boys that we have no pressure. Pressure is when you have to feed your family, and you can’t go out to work. Pressure is when you have someone in the hospital, and you can’t visit them,” Miguel said.

He used a personal experience to explain why he considers Saturday’s fixture an opportunity rather than a burden. Miguel recalled feeling genuine pressure when his grandmother was in Portugal while he was in Angola, leaving him unable to help because he was an eight-hour flight from home.

“I felt pressure when my grandmother was in Portugal, and I was in Angola. I felt pressure because I couldn’t do anything about that. I was an eight-hour flight away from home. So, playing for Chiefs in a big game is not pressure, but a privilege.”

Miguel acknowledged that such an opportunity also carries obligations, particularly when facing a team of Sundowns’ stature.

“That privilege obviously comes with responsibilities. How we change the word privilege to responsibility is what is important. We’ll face Sundowns with responsibility. There’s no more beautiful thing. There’s no better game to play.”