Kaizer Chiefs will use the MTN 8 cup final against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns to turn the corner after a disastrous start to the new season.
That was the promise from Amakhosi star midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala as Chiefs look to redeem themselves after three successive defeats.
"We are up for this challenge. We have a tradition to uphold at Chiefs when it comes to playing in and winning big knockout trophies. We have done a lot of soul searching as to what went wrong over the past three games and will bounce back. Never write off Chiefs in a cup final," said Tshabalala.
Continues Below ↓
Although Downs were the firm favourites looking at the incredible depth Brazilians coach Trott Moloto has at his disposal, Chiefs are not afraid of the big-spending Downs.
Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral has one trump card in his favour in the form of ace striker Jose Torrealba. The Venezuelan striker left Sundowns under a cloud last season and joined Chiefs in the pre-season where he made an immediate impact.
But he was sent off in the MTN 8 semi-final, second leg 1-0 loss by Moroka Swallows and missed two league defeats by Thanda Royal Zulu 2-1 at home and the 3-2 defeat in the "battle of Chatsworth" last Sunday.
Said Ertugral: "The fact that Trott's biggest headache is who to sit on his bench tells the story. He has so many players to choose from that it's amazing. But we are going out there to recover our form and pride. Winning this cup would be the best tonic for the players and the club to turn around our recent slump."
But Moloto argues that Chiefs cup pedigree makes them and now Downs the favourites. Chiefs have won more cups than any other local side in SA soccer history.
Downs have offered their players the entire R8 million winner-takes-all prize while Chiefs are mum about how the largest prize in local soccer will be divided should Amakhosi win.
Continues...
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
