Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo says they need to master the art of grinding out results even when they are not playing at their best in the remaining games of the 2021/22 season. Chiefs are on the brink of an ugly record when they take on Marumo Gallants at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night for the DStv Premiership clash.
If they lose, they would have suffered five losses on the trot, which has not happened in the foreseeable past. The Glamour Boys have had a challenging and intense 10-day programme as the game against Gallants will be their fourth in those ten days.
Ngcobo said they owed it to their fans to turn around their fortunes. “The fans have been so supportive; after the game [against Cape Town City], they were singing and supporting us after the game. They showed a lot of energy. We need to show appreciation for that by winning games and playing good football because they enjoy good football. We are going to do our best and grind results,” Ngcobo said.
The 2-1 home defeat to City was their fourth successive loss and was discouraging for Amakhosi as they look to finish the season strong. However, the youth international, Ngcobo, insists they need to remain focused.
“I don’t think it’s a case of anxiety; we as players need to focus on getting things right. We need to be strong and focus on what’s coming,” he said. Chiefs and Gallants last met in September 2021 in Polokwane, and the two teams shared the spoils following a scoreless draw.
Gallants have been playing admirable football under Dan Malesela and will be buoyed by their recent qualification for the Nedbank Cup final. They beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1-0 on Friday night to set up a clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘Mshini’ admits it won’t be easy playing against the Limpopo side. “It’s not easy to play them; they are very energetic and play good football; we need to focus and make sure we win the game. We need to win every game; it’s not easy because we have tough opponents. We need to do our best.”
Amakhosi are still fifth on the DStv Premiership with 39 points, and Gallants are in position 11 with 31 points. They have each played 26 matches after Chiefs caught up with the rest of the teams in the league when they played their two outstanding games last week. The match between Amakhosi and Bahlabani ba ntwa will kick off at 19:30 at FNB.
