Although Kaizer Chiefs have already annexed the Absa Premiership title, their top of the table clash with nemesis Mamelodi Sundowns will not be devoid of the usual fireworks.
For a side that has won the league, there will be no need for Stuart Baxter and his men to go beyond the call of duty to win the battle at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight. However there’s pride to preserve for Amakhosi. Their opponents are also bracing themselves for a tough time. Downs skipper Alje Schut and playmaker Khama Billiat believe Ama-khosi will remain dangerous even though they have nothing to lose.
“It’s a big game. They want to show that they are the champions. We want to play for our pride and honour. No, never. They aren’t going take their foot off the gas. Even Baxter said they musn’t celebrate because they still have a few points to get. They want to set a record so I don’t believe that. When you play Chiefs, there’s always a lot of pride involved and bragging rights, I think they will come all out,” said Schut.
Schut’s teammate Billiat, who is excepted to torment Chiefs’ rearguard tonight, says Pitso Mosimane’s men will give of their best to preserve their dented dignity and take the bragging rights in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
“It still remains a big game even though we lost the league. Now we are playing for our pride and integrity. We play for our supporters. We have to give it our best shot as we always do,” said Billiat.
Winning tonight’s clash will do more for Sundowns’ bruised egos especially after a challenging season. Sundowns didn’t fare well in many of the competitions they were involved in except for the Nedbank Cup. Among their disappointments, the failure to defend their title did most harm. Schut, who is leaving Sundowns at the end of the season, says letting the league slip away didn’t augur well for them. - The Star