Kaizer Chiefs seek Carling Knockout response before Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes Tuesday’s Carling Knockout first-round meeting with TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium (19:00) provides an immediate opportunity to recover from their CAF Confederation Cup exit.

However, another early cup elimination could increase pressure on the Frenchman, with Amakhosi already knocked out of the MTN8 and the Confederation Cup this season.

Chiefs were beaten by Zambian side Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium at the weekend. The result followed their first-round MTN8 defeat by Golden Arrows in August.

Red Arrows won 3-2 on penalties after Chiefs levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate with a 1-0 victory in regulation time. Chiefs had lost the first leg 1-0 in Ndola the previous Saturday.

A defeat by Galaxy, who have endured a difficult start to the Betway Premiership, would deepen Chiefs’ problems before Saturday’s first Soweto derby of the season. Amakhosi face Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium at 15:30.

Da Cruz said the short turnaround could help his side move on from the disappointment in continental competition.

“It’s very good to play the next game quickly [after losing] because we can switch our focus to the next game immediately. We must make sure that we qualify for the next round of the Carling Cup,” he said.

The Chiefs coach also urged his players not to be burdened by the team’s results so early in the campaign.

“The most important thing is not to put pressure on these players,” Da Cruz said, adding: “We are only in October… it’s the beginning of the season and there’s still a lot of games to be played. We must just continue to work.”

Da Cruz believes Chiefs’ performances have been stronger than their results suggest and expects their fortunes to improve if they maintain their approach.

“The team plays very well but it’s only the results that are not favouring us. We must continue this way, with character, with intensity we will win more and more games,” he said.

Carling Knockout fixtures

On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates play Milford at Orlando (19:00), while Mamelodi Sundowns meet Gallants at Loftus (19:00).

On Wednesday, Durban host Stellenbosch at Chatsworth (19:00).

Betway Premiership fixtures

Gallants face Siwelele at Royal Bafokeng on Friday (19:30).

Saturday’s matches are Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs at FNB (15:30), Milford v Sekhukhune at Sugar Ray Xulu (15:30), Stellenbosch v Chippa at Danie Craven (18:00), AmaZulu v Arrows at Princess Magogo (18:00), Polokwane v TS Galaxy at Old Peter Mokaba (18:00), Kruger v Bay at Mbombela (20:15), and Mamelodi Sundowns v Durban at Royal Bafokeng (20:15).