Kaizer Chiefs set up Mamelodi Sundowns semi-final in Carling Knockout

Kaizer Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout semi-finals after coach Fernando da Cruz described the tie as an important opportunity for his side to develop, while stressing their aim is to reach the final.

Chiefs secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. The result set up an away meeting with Sundowns, although the league has yet to confirm the dates and venues for the semi-final matches. They are expected to take place after the current Fifa break.

Asanele Velebayi came off the bench to score the winning goal, registering his first goal for Chiefs since joining the club in August last year.

Siwelele took the lead early in the first half through Siyabonga Ndebele, but Wandile Duba levelled for Amakhosi on the stroke of half-time. Chiefs had missed an opportunity to equalise seven minutes earlier when Mduduzi Shabalala sent a penalty over the bar before Duba converted his spot-kick.

Da Cruz welcomed the prospect of meeting Sundowns, saying Chiefs needed matches of that scale to continue their progress.

“We knew when we qualified for the semifinals we’d play a big game there. We need this type of game because our team needs to grow. With this type of game against Sundowns our team will grow,” Da Cruz said.

“It will be a very good game for us and we will play that game for sure to qualify for the final.”

The semi-final will give Chiefs another chance to challenge for silverware after two earlier setbacks this season. They were knocked out in the MTN8 quarter-finals in August and failed to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages last month.

Their league campaign has also lacked consistency, with Amakhosi having already recorded five draws. Da Cruz believes the Carling Knockout progress can improve the mood around the team and help establish a “positive dynamic” after a difficult opening period.

“When you win, it’s always a pleasure. It gives confidence to the team and allows us to be on a positive dynamic. At the start of the season we didn’t get the results we expected, but I am happy about the work of the team and the mindset and how the team progressed as well,” the Chiefs coach said.