Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Phatutshedzo Nange says ‘it’s everyone’s dream to play’ in African club competitions and will be hoping for the perfect finish when they host relegation-threatened Swallows on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.
Mathematically, Chiefs can finish second [depending on Royal AM and Cape Town City’s results], which would secure them a place in the prestigious Caf Champions League. The former Stellenbosch midfielder has urged his teammates to go all out for a win in the Soweto derby.
On the other hand, Swallows’ status in the topflight hangs in the balance, and they desperately need to win against Amakhosi to retain their place. A loss could see them demoted to the GladAfrica Championship [depending on Baroka’s result]. Swallows and Baroka, perched on 15th and 16th on the table, are tied on 25 points, only separated by goal difference.
But Nange, whose recent form earned him a Bafana Bafana call up, suggests there will be no mercy for their desperate neighbours.
“I’m only looking at us, looking at us as a team. It’s everyone’s dream to play in the CAF Champions League and in CAF competitions and to do well. We still remember the team recently going to the CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly, and what a great achievement that was for the club, and we want to get back there and ensure we do well at CAF again.
“But for now, we just want to do our best in the last game and finish the season on a high note with three points. That’s what we want, to win the game, and we will see what will happen after that,” the 30-year-old told the Chiefs website.
The ex-Black Leopards midfielder was one of the standout performers in the recent 1-1 draw against DStv Premiership champions Sundowns, scoring the equaliser for Amakhosi in a positive team performance. He missed the last match against Sekhukhune due to suspension.
“I was happy that I scored (against Sundowns), but more importantly, I was also happy with the team’s performance. We wanted to get three points but had to settle for a point against Sundowns. I just want to keep working and stay positive and make sure we work hard as a team and as a club,” Nange added.
