Ahead of their Milford FC clash in the Nedbank Cup Last 32, Kaizer Chiefs Given Msimango has highlighted the potential threat posed by minnows, stating that “you worry about every opponent” due to past upsets in the competition.
The two sides, who will be meeting for the first time in their history, will battle for a spot in the Round of 16 on Sunday, 25 February. Kickoff at FNB Stadium is at 18:00.
Heading to the encounter, Chiefs are favourites. However anything can happen in the Nedbank Cup as it’s known as the ‘cup of surprises’. Smaller teams usually rise to the occasion and defeat the so-called big teams.
Previously, Amakhosi have suffered upsets from lower division teams. In 2011, they lost 2-1 against Baroka FC in the quarter-finals before losing the 2019 final 1-0 against TS Galaxy. They were beaten by FC Cape Town and Richards Bay FC.
The 26-year-old Msimango says the Soweto giants will not undermine Milford, a relatively new club in the PSL – Motsepe Foundation Championship.
GIVEN MSIMANGO SAYS EVERY FOE POSES A DIFFERENT THREAT
“You worry about every opponent because each one proves to be a challenge in their own aspect,” said Msimango.
“When you look back through the Nedbank Cup, lower division teams have a history of doing well against higher division teams. The motivation is different and the mentality is different when playing a team of Chiefs’ calibre.
“At the same time, as Kaizer Chiefs, our mentality is elite. And it needs to be elite at all times, irrespective of the opponent.
Msimango further added that giving their opponent respect will be key in getting the desired result as they have done their homework, and Milford is a good side.
“We give all opponents the respect they deserve. We have watched them and analysed them. We know they are a good side with quality players. So we are preparing accordingly to avoid an upset and advance to the next round,” he added.
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