Kaizer Chiefs are the furthest they have been in the Nedbank Cup for five years and will be looking to reach the last four of the tournament for the first time since the 2005 – 2006 competition, when they face Vodacom league side Baroka FC in the last eight stage of the Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

RECENT HISTORY

While many pundits have played up Chiefs recent difficulties against teams from the lower divisions, in truth since the inception of the PSL in 1996 – 1997 Chiefs have encountered 10 different teams from the National First Division and other lower tier teams and have won eight of these games, in South Africa’s premier cup competition.

On three occasions (Boksburg United 96-97 7-1, Nelspruit Black Swallows 7- 0, FC Sporting 02-03 5-0) have Chiefs managed to score five or more goals against these sides. Over all Chiefs have had the upper hand against these teams but are aware that Baroka FC are not to be underestimated.

ROAD TO THE LAST EIGHT

Baroka who are currently the league leaders of the Limpopo Stream of the Vodacom League defeated Moroka Swallows in the previous round and are termed as the giant Killers of this year’s competition.

Chiefs needed extra time to overcome an inspired Nathi Lions of the National First division 3 – 2 in their opening game, in their last 16 encounter the Amakhosi’s win was a more convincing one as they eliminated defending Champions BIDVest Wits. The game against the Students finished 4 – 0 in favour of Chiefs as they reached the last eight for the first time since 2005 – 2006.

MISSING OUT

The Amakhosi will be minus defender Valery Nahayo who was sent off during Chiefs win over Mpumalanga Black Aces last weekend and will be without him for the clash with Baroka and their next league meeting against Mamelodi Sundowns. Chiefs though have been boosted by the availability of winger Siphiwe Tshabalala for the game; Shabba missed the Ace’s clash as he was injured.