‘Make Chiefs squirm’
LAST-16: COACH MOTIVATES HIS MEN ‘We are just looking to keep up our momentum’.
Kaizer Chiefs are keeping their cards close to their chests ahead of their Telkom Knockout last-16 encounter away to Platinum Stars in Rustenburg tomorrow afternoon.
Amakhosi have said very little in the week leading to this gigantic clash expected to attract thousands of fans to the Moruleng Stadium.
Perhaps the decision not to invite the media to the Amakhosi camp was made in an effort to minimise the pressure on the team which has found the going a little tough in their last few games.
But their opponents for tomorrow’s game – the high-flying Stars – have been happy to confess their willingness to infl ict more misery on Amakhosi.
Dikwena coach Cavin Johnson sounded unflustered when he said he was not worried about who the opponents for tomorrow’s game were, and that his team would be looking to keep their momentum.
“With me, it is not about who we play, but rather keeping good form that is consistent and one that will inspire football lovers to watch more,” said Johnson who has revived Dikwena and inspired them to the top position in the league.
With Stars having tasted victory in the same competition in 2013, Johnson says he has had to do very little in terms of motivation as every player wants to retain the glory.
“Stars have gradually grown to play inspirational football and with our current form, I’m sure my boys will be working hard, especially because this particular tournament has become a popular one around the camp.
“Players can associate well with the cup; I mean, playing in the final twice in the same tournament is awesome.
“I say, let us play the football we play and the rest shall follow,” said the former SuperSport United mentor.
But Dikwena will have to be at their very best if they are to get past Amakhosi, who are known for their penchant for cup competitions.
Chiefs have the most TKO gold medals, having been crowned champions eight times since 1992.
Amakhosi’s cup record speaks volumes, though their form has dipped after they were beaten in the recent MTN 8 final by Ajax Cape Town.