The Herald (South Africa)

Chiefs out to boost top 8 credential­s

- — TimesLIVE

Kaizer Chiefs’ top-eight dream will be put to another tricky test when they face relegation­threatened Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhand­ila at the Peter Mokaba Stadium this afternoon (5pm).

Going into this match, Chiefs are licking their wounds after surrenderi­ng a 2-goal lead to settle for a 2-all draw away at Bloemfonte­in Celtic on Saturday.

Anything less than a win at Tshakhuma would further cast doubt on struggling Chiefs’ top-eight credential­s.

Chiefs’ experience­d strikertur­ned-midfielder Bernard Parker has revealed their preparatio­ns for the TTM clash were based more on the mental reliance rather than the physical element.

“What we do more lately is mental preparatio­n which will be key for us.

“At training we have been showing the will and that fighting spirit.

“We’ve been doing mistakes here and there on match days, hence I am saying we’ve been focusing more on mental preparatio­ns than the physical part of it,’’ Parker said yesterday.

The 35-year-old Parker, who has been feeling the wrath of the fans amid his inconsiste­ncy in recent seasons, also conceded they had been making life easier for their opponents by committing silly mistakes.

The former Bafana star vowed they had learnt valuable lessons from their past blunders.

“Most of the time we give easy opportunit­ies to opponents but we’ve looked at the drawing board and we have taken a lot of positives out of those previous games, especially the Celtic game.

“It’s a good thing that we’re taking the positives,’’ Parker said.

Parker expects TTM to be a tough nut to crack.

Even so, the Chiefs stalwart banks on their camaraderi­e and good spirit to help them sail through in Polokwane and boost their top-eight chances.

“We’re well aware of TTM’s [style of] play.

“Now it’s up to us to go again and give hundred percent again.

“We know what’s happening at this stage of the season … teams are fighting for their lives.

“We’re fighting to finish at a respectabl­e position.

“We’re together, we show spirit and unity,’’ Parker said.

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