Durban- As much as Kaizer Chiefs are expected to stroll into the next round of the African Champions League it is important that they win convincingly against Volcan de Moroni in the second leg of their tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
The Amakhosi enjoy a 4-0 lead from the first leg in the Comores a fortnight ago, courtesy of a double from defender Erick Mathoho and strikes from Bernard Parker and Sula Matovu.
Chiefs are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, with five victories sandwiched between two draws. With that momentum they should erase the memory of their previous Champions League outing in Durban, when they lost 1-0 to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in a first-round first-leg clash before eventually bowing out of Africa’s premier club competition on aggregate.
Speaking after the squad’s arrival in Durban on Friday, coach Steve Komphela said it was vital to maintain a professional attitude to maintain their form.
“We have to respect the opposition and the game,” he said. “All 26 players that we have registered are quality players, so whoever we choose must be credible and capable to play. You might have the best team but if they have the worst attitude then that will be disrespect. I believe there is no question of complacency and everyone is focused for the match.”
Although Komphela is expected to make changes to the side that drew 1-1 against Polokwane City in the Premiership in order to keep players fresh for next weekend’s Nedbank Cup opener against Orlando Pirates, he shied away from talk of resting players.
“We will not be resting anyone. It’s a question of waiting until our last training session to see who will be selected. It’s important to keep the momentum going. The Nedbank Cup is still six days later, so we will be able to prepare for it,” he said.
Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala added that despite the 4-0 win in Moroni there were areas where the team could improve, and that it was vital in such a competition not to take the opposition lightly.
“At 4-0 up we’re still not happy because there’s room to improve, and this game gives us the opportunity to do that,” he said. “We’re happy we didn’t concede but we still have to give the opposition respect.”
With the Premiership entering its final stretch and the Nedbank Cup set to start next week, Chiefs will welcome back a fully fit Daniel Cardoso to bolster their depth as they chase trophies on three fronts.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm and there will be no television coverage.
Independent on Saturday