Chiefs supporters will be deciding factor – Kannemeyer
Chiefs supporters will be deciding factor – Kannemeyer

Posted in News, Team News on Mar 29, 2017.

Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial Absa Premiership fixture at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, 1 April.

The KC Website spoke to David Kannemeyer, who played four seasons for both sides.

“The Chiefs supporters will be the deciding factor,” the former left-back thinks, “I expect them to come to the game in huge numbers, creating a fantastic vibe for the Amakhosi players to thrive in.”

Kannemeyer became a Glamour Boy in 2001, joining from Ajax Cape Town and he immediately felt the difference. “Chiefs have an immense support group. It’s unbelievable, as you are always in the limelight.

“Supporters ask for your autograph while walking in a shopping mall or want to talk with you when sitting in a restaurant. To be honest, I was never bothered by that, it always gave me a nice feeling.”

Interestingly enough, Kannemeyer even kept that bond with the supporters after having moved to Chloorkop to join Sundowns in 2004. That’s because when the Brazilians played the Glamour Boys, the former left-back would still walk before the game to the Chiefs fans to greet them. “There was that mutual respect,” he comments. “Once an Amakhosi, always an Amakhosi.”

The now 39-year-old recently joined first division side Cape Town All Stars, becoming the assistant to head coach Patrick Mabedi, another former Chiefs stalwart.

“With Chiefs, wherever you play, in Durban, Cape Town or Mbombela, the fans will always be there in numbers to support the team,” Kannemeyer continues. “Amakhosi never play an away game. That’s a bit different for Sundowns. They get great support in Tshwane, but in, for example, Cape Town it gets a bit quiet.”

Kannemeyer does feel, however, that the form of the Glamour Boys has been a bit up and down this season, while the Brazilians have been more consistent, despite changing their line-up for a lot of games.

“That was mostly done to rest players,” he comments. “Important, however, is that Chiefs need a win to stay in the running for the league title.

“And that’s where the supporters can play a crucial role. I am convinced that if the Amakhosi fans turn up in great numbers, their favourite team will snatch the three points.”

Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 April 2017 (kick-off is at 20:15).

 

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