Chiefs turn attention to Maritzburg
Chiefs turn attention to Maritzburg

Posted in News, Team News on Jan 07, 2021.

Kaizer Chiefs returned to Johannesburg on Wednesday from their history making trip to Angola where they defeated Primeiro de Agosto 1-0 in a CAF Champions League first round second leg game, to advance to the group stages of the competition. Amakhosi were back on the training ground on Thursday morning in Naturena buoyed by Tuesday’s win, as they prepare for their next assignment, which is a DStv Premiership clash against Maritzburg United at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 17:00.

Amakhosi midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo believes that Chiefs can take a lot of positives from the trip to Angola. “Angola was a lot of work, but we enjoyed ourselves there. We did well as a team, and we managed to win. We worked very hard,” says Ngcobo.

According to midfielder, Chiefs have put the win over Primeiro behind them and are easily able to switch focus to domestic matters.

“At the end of the day it’s football and that’s how it is. You move from game to game and just ensure that you keep your spirits up,” he adds.  “We now need to make sure that we fight against Maritzburg. It won’t be easy though. We need to prepare ourselves and be ready to fight.”

The Pietermaritzburg-born midfielder has featured in all eight of Chiefs league games this season and was on target in a 2-2 draw against Black Leopards at home on the 9 December.

Chiefs have also had a good run at home against Maritzburg in the recent past, losing just once in their last 8 home league games against them, while winning six and drawing one.

“We managed to beat them in the MTN8 quarterfinals which tells us that it is possible for us to win if we work as a team and fight for each other,” he points out. “They did win their last game against Bloemfontein Celtic so I think they will come up with the same mindset in searching for another win. We need to be prepared to face a difficult opponent.”

This will be the 29th league meeting between Chiefs and Maritzburg, with Amakhosi having won 13 of their previous 28 league clashes against them, while drawing 9 and losing 6.

The game also pits Chiefs up against former coach Ernst Middendorp who replaced Eric Tinkler at the helm of Maritzburg in late November.

On Chiefs’ reunion with their former coach Ngcobo says: “It will be fun to play against Ernst Middendorp our former coach. We will be ready for him and his team.”

For Ngcobo and Chiefs, three points will be on their mind as it will help Amakhosi climb up the table,

The game will be live on DStv Channel 202 at 17:00 and no spectators will be allowed in the stadium. .

 

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