Durban – The days of free-flowing, attacking football are long gone and fans expecting an open MTN8 final this weekend will be left disappointed, Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Doctor Khumalo said on Thursday.
The Amakhosi face Orlando Pirates in a Soweto derby final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, the fourth time the two sides meet in the competition final as they bid to win South Africa's first domestic trophy of the season.
“As South Africans, we need to grow in terms of how tactically and technically sound we are in the way we view the game,” Khumalo said.
“Don't expect the derby to be the same as when Teenage Dladla or Jomo Sono played. The approach is different.
“Gone are those days when you have to please the crowd. So we need to change the way we view the game. We can't say the derby is boring.”
His reference was to the 1970s and 80s when attackers Nelson Dladla and Sono scored freely for Chiefs and Pirates respectively.
Buccaneers' assistant Eric Tinkler agreed the match was unlikely to be an open affair.
“There's a lot of pressure on both teams to get the result,” he said.
“There's huge bragging rights for the fans and it's vitally important, irrespective if it's a friendly or an R8-million prize-winning game.
“So it's a massive occasion for everybody involved. Hopefully both teams involved will go out there and try and make it the most entertaining game as possible. But you've got to understand that neither team wants to lose.”
The last five meeting between the two Gauteng clubs have produced a paltry six goals, leading to much criticism from fans of the two clubs.
Tinkler, meanwhile, confirmed that key midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo was fit and available for the clash, adding that veteran defender Lucky Lekgwathi was the only definite absentee.
For Chiefs, captain Itumeleng Khune and Katlego Mphela were ruled out, with Brilliant Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse competing for the goalkeeping vacancy.
Khumalo said both players vying for the gloves had his complete confidence as both men were experienced, professional and good goalkeepers.
“With or without Itu, Kaizer Chiefs will be on the field with a good goalkeeper.” – Sapa