Retired goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo has made a bold prediction, tipping one of his former clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, to end their seven years trophy drought with the MTN8.
Amakhosi, previously revered as Cup Kings, have had a challenging seven years, struggling to add a trophy to their dusty cabinet at Naturena.
Different coaches, including Steve Komphela, Patrick Mabedi, Gianni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt and Stuart Baxter, have entered the Kaizer Chiefs revolving door in the last couple of years.
They have made it to cup finals, including the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout losses to Ajax and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively, during Komphela’s time.
In 2019, they fell to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup final under Ernst Middendorp. Their most recent final appearance was in the CAF Champions League, where they lost to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly in 2021.
Arthur Zwane has since taken over from Baxter and will be hoping to put an end to the drought.
However, Kaizer Chiefs have had a slow start in the 2022/23 season under ‘10111’. They have already recorded two losses in the league, yet their former goalkeeper, Khuzwayo, believes they could defy the odds in the MTN8 Cup.
Chiefs beat Stellenbosch after a penalty shootout on Sunday to progress to the semi-final of the MTN8. They will meet AmaZulu in the semi-final.
“Yes, Kaizer Chiefs for me, definitely they have what it takes to win the MTN8,” Khuzwayo told the media.
Should Kaizer Chiefs brush Usuthu aside, as Khuzwayo suggests, they will face either Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns, who meet in the other semi-final.
Interestingly, Kaizer Chiefs meet in-form AmaZulu in the league on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. The Durban side, who are coached by Brandon Truter, are having a dream start to the season after bringing in several new faces.
