Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez has emphasised the need for a shift in Amakhosi players’ mentality regarding their approach to league games, noting that it differs from their mindset in the Nedbank Cup.
While Amakhosi have displayed impressive form in the Nedbank Cup, culminating in a final appearance, their league performances tell a different story.
Even a formidable Mamelodi Sundowns couldn’t prevent their semi-final comeback victory, securing a spot against Orlando Pirates in the May 10th final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This match presents a golden opportunity to end a decade-long trophy drought, with Amakhosi’s last major domestic title dating back to the 2014/15 season.
The stark contrast between their 24 goals in 25 Betway Premiership games and 12 goals in just four Nedbank Cup fixtures underscores Du Preez’s belief that a change in mindset is crucial for their remaining five league encounters.
As Chiefs prepare to host Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, the former Stellenbosch FC attacker has highlighted the need to shift the team’s mentality.
WHAT DU PREEZ SAID ABOUT THE MENTALITY OF CHIEFS PLAYERS
“For me, the difference is definitely our mentality. It’s how we approach cup games and how we approach league games,” he told journalists. “We need to balance it. We need to go into each game with the same mentality as a team.
“If we go in cup games, the way we go in league games, things would go better for us in the league. So, for me, it’s to be consistent as a team.
“We’ve been doing great in the cup. And now with the situation at the club, you know, we want to win silverware. Our main focus is not supposed to be only on cup games. It’s supposed to be in the league [as well].”
Chiefs will be looking to finish in the top eight, having missed out last season. They are currently eighth. But Du Preez insists that in future, they must be challenging for the league title.
“We want to win the league also. We want to be in the top three. You know, so for me, mentality needs to be stronger.“
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