With Kaizer Chiefs still basking in the glow of their Nedbank Cup victory, Inacio Miguel has spoken out on whether the celebrations might impede their efforts to secure a coveted top-eight spot in the league.
The celebratory atmosphere among Chiefs fans remains palpable, with social media capturing players like Zitha Kwinika and George Matlou still deeply immersed in the Nedbank Cup euphoria as late as Tuesday.
Notably, one video showed Matlou humorously declaring his intention to finally remove his matchday kit on Thursday, having worn it continuously with his gold medal since Chiefs’ victory over Orlando Pirates in the final.
While the euphoria of their 2-1 Nedbank Cup final triumph last Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, which ended a nine-year trophy wait, is still fresh, Chiefs are firmly focused on their league ambitions.
Amakhosi defender Miguel has stated that celebrations within the camp are over, as players understand the importance of their final two Betway Premiership matches in their quest for a top-eight finish.
Their immediate task is an away fixture against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane today, Saturday, May 17, at 15:00, before concluding their season at home against Polokwane City FC.
Needing two wins to avoid missing the MTN8 for the second campaign running [after finishing 10th last season], the Soweto giants currently sit ninth with 30 points, the same as eighth-placed Chippa United, who have a superior goal difference and one more game played.
NO NEDBANK CUP HANGOVER: MIGUEL SAYS CHIEFS LASER-FOCUSED ON TOP EIGHT
“The feeling is bright among the boys. They fought hard to bring the cup home, so as I said before the game, we had a mission, and after the game and during the week, I can see that the mission is done. Job done,” said Miguel.
“We understand 100% that our supporters are still celebrating, and so they should, but us as players, as soon as we got back to the [Kaizer Chiefs] Village we changed our focus onto the league. As players, we know we have two difficult games now, and we are taking them very seriously.
“We have the target of the top eight, but we take game by game, and our attention is totally on the Sekhukhune game. If we get the three points, we are closer to the top eight, and then we will try to win the last game as well.”
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