Tsepo: Chiefs’ R8m cell-by date arrives

Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela. Photo: Duif du Toit

Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela. Photo: Duif du Toit

Published Sep 20, 2014

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Durban - Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela has stressed the need for Amakhosi to win a trophy early in the season to ease some of the pressure after missing out on silverware last term.

Chiefs were deposed as Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup champions last season and are now under pressure to deliver silverware.

And what better way to lift your first trophy in the new season than to beat your bitter rivals in a cup final?

Amakhosi face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium here on Saturday (8.15pm), knowing that victory on Saturday night could just give them the lift they need to win other competitions in the local league. In recent seasons, clubs that have won the MTN8 have gone on to achieve greater success in the season.

Platinum Stars went on to lift the Telkom Knockout after winning the MTN8 last term, while the Buccaneers won back-to-back trebles which were inspired first by the MTN8 title early in the campaign.

“In a way, this trophy would ease the pressure because last season we did not win anything,” Masilela said.

“If you get the first trophy of the season then it boosts your confidence going forward.

“We have to focus on our game and it will be good for the supporters if we win something early in the season.

“This is a big one for us. We want to win it. We are ready and feeling confident

The former Benoni Premier United player has been in good form thus far in the campaign, the player forming part of an Amakhosi defence yet to concede a goal in this year’s MTN8 competition.

Masilela, though, is wary of Pirates in-form strikers Kermit Erasmus and Lehlohonolo Majoro, who have scored four goals between them in three matches in the competition. “They are quality strikers and doing well at the moment. They are dangerous and they can score goals.

“They are good at keeping possession and they like to build from the back. They also have speedy wingers and we need to be wary of that,” Masilela said.

The 29 year old has warned that Amakhosi’s scintillating form means nothing going into the derby. Chiefs have won nine consecutive matches, a run of form which makes them favourites to clinch the tie.

“Past performances and results do not matter when you go into the derby. It’s a new game and each game has its own new life. We will see how it works out. We fancy our chances of winning this one.”

Chiefs are without injured captain Itumeleng Khune for the clash, but Masilela is confident that whoever replaces the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper in goal between Brilliant Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse is good enough to play in such a big game.

“We do not have weak links in our team. If you play for Chiefs, then you are here on merit and not merely to add numbers.

“The fact that they are here says they are quality players. I am not sure who is going to play on the weekend, though.We are a team and I have confidence in all the players that are here.”

Masilela’s battles with Pirates wingers Daine Klate, Sifiso Myeni and Thabo Qalinge should be interesting.

Saturday Star

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