Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane is drawing positives from their MTN8 exit, saying it serves as fuel for Wednesday’s Betway Premiership clash with Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium.
The Soweto giants were edged 1-0 by Golden Arrows FC in Soweto this past weekend to bow out of the MTN8 in the first round. Just two matches into the season, Chiefs witnessed one opportunity at silverware slipping out of their hands.
However, after opening the term with a 3-1 win over Kruger United, they now look to build on that encouraging start in the league when they host Sekhukhune. The Babina Noko bench will have a familiar face for Chiefs in coach Cedric Kaze, who worked at Naturena in the last two seasons.
Kaze was first assistant coach to Nasraddine Nabi, before becoming a co-coach at Amakhosi with Khalil Ben Youssef, who is now at Durban City FC, and the two helped Amakhosi claim third spot in the league last season. The Burundian has deep knowledge of the Chiefs squad, and only new signings Renaldo Leaner, Langelihle Phili, Faiz Abrahams, Thabo Moloisane and Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko have not played under him.
MTN8 EXIT A ‘WAKE-UP CALL FOR CHIEFS,’ SAYS THABISO MONYANE
The defeat by Arrows was a setback for coach Fernando da Cruz early into his tenure at Naturena. The Frenchman would be keen for a home victory on Wednesday to restore Chiefs supporters’ confidence in him.
“Of course, all eyes are on Sekhukhune this midweek. The MTN8 result definitely tested us as a group. We have used that as fuel; it showed us where we need to work, how we need to sharpen ourselves,” said Monyane. “I think it’s a wake-up call for all of us, and the preparations for Sekhukhune are tough; they are a tough team, hard-running, and they are an organised side. So, it’s going to be a tough encounter.
“But I trust the boys to do the work, and for sure we want to go for it all.”
As Chiefs face Sekhukhune, a potentially stormy affair lies in waiting for them on Saturday. They will be back at FNB Stadium and this time to host Mamelodi Sundowns.
That makes collecting maximum points against Babina Noko key for Chiefs to avoid going into the Sundowns game under pressure after failing to win two games in a row.
“Yes, we know Sundowns are looming in the background, but right now it’s one game at a time. Sekhukhune have our full attention, and we are going there to get the full result,” added Monyane.
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