Head Coach, Donald ‘Ace’ Khuse, revealed to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday morning that there was no special preparation ahead of the Absa Premiership encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns at Soccer City Complex on Wednesday evening.

The victory ended the run that saw the Amakhosi losing four matches in a row. “The players knew what was at stake and we did not have to motivate them or do anything special ahead of the game,” said Ace, who was at the Village early on Thursday preparing for the ‘next game’.

“We studied how Sundowns play and we knew that their full-backs, including Punch Masenamela, like to go forward. We then planned to exploit those spaces and this worked. I congratulate the players for sticking to the plan.

“The mood in the camp was also high, despite the slump, so the guys were looking forward to the game. We tried to keep them focused on the next game but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman, who was supportive throughout. He was behind the team all the way and his support, and that of everyone at the Village and outside, lifted the team.

“The win against Sundowns means a lot to the whole team, especially after the loss against SuperSport United that led to supporters expressing their dissatisfaction. We were always confident of turning the corner because we were playing well and just lacking luck.

“You could see even yesterday there were some decisions that went against us but the boys showed character and kept going. In football you need a little bit of luck sometimes and that is what was lacking in the past few games.

Kaizer Chiefs pulled a masterstroke by introducing Reneilwe Letsholonyane in the second half. “He was superb and I was not surprised at all. He showed, when he returned back to training, that he wants to play. He was hungry and we all know what he can bring into this team. He was really a confidence booster and we are delighted to have him back in the team.

A sew sceptics also questioned the decision to play Sthembiso Ngcobo ahead of the Club’s top goal scorer, Lehlohonolo Majoro.

“It all starts at training and Sthembiso (Ngcobo) worked very hard and convinced us he was worthy to be given a chance to start the game. He was also superb last night but credit should go to all the players for doing well.

“We cannot afford to rest on our laurels though as we have Ajax Cape Town coming up. It is going to be a tough game but we want to close the season on a high,” added Khuse.