Kaizer Chiefs draw Mamelodi Sundowns in Carling Knockout semi-finals

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz believes a Carling Knockout semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns will provide the ideal test as his side continue to develop this season.

Chiefs secured their place in the last four by coming from behind to beat Siwelele FC 2-1 in their quarter-final at New Peter Mokaba Stadium last night. After conceding early in the first half, they scored in both halves, with Asanele Velebhayi’s goal six minutes before full-time confirming the victory.

Their reward is a difficult meeting with Sundowns, but Da Cruz welcomed the challenge and said his players needed matches of this significance.

“We really wanted to qualify for the semifinals, and we knew if we did that we would be involved in a big game,” he said. “We need this kind of game against Sundowns for the team to continue to grow.”

The result means Chiefs have reached the Carling Knockout semi-finals for the first time this season, having been eliminated at an early stage of the MTN8.

Their progress was secured despite a difficult first half for Mduduzi Shabalala. The midfielder missed a crucial penalty, but recovered quickly to win Chiefs another spot-kick closer to half-time. Wandile Duba converted the second penalty to bring the teams level.

Chiefs then completed their comeback after the interval, with Velebhayi producing the decisive finish in the closing stages.

Da Cruz also praised Rushwin Dortley after handing him only his second starting opportunity. The coach said the defender had added balance to the team and would continue to be an option in defence.

“Dortley is a great option for us and he will remain an option for us in the future, he is great with his head, and with him fit and healthy we have many options now in our defence,” Da Cruz said.

Chiefs will now use the international break to work on the fitness of newly signed Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana. The club hope Mokwana will be ready to face Sundowns in the semi-final.

Da Cruz is also waiting for the return of SA U23 international Langelihle Phili, who is recovering from an injury.