Posted in News on Oct 23, 2010.
Chiefs have not played ‘Usuthu’ in a cup game in 16 years the last time the teams did clash in knockout competition it was the Amakhosi who were victorious winning the 1994 BP Top Eight Semi-Final clash 2-1. Since the inception of the PSL in 1996 - 1997 Chiefs and Amazulu have not squared off in a Cup clash which gives Saturday’s additional historical importance.
The Amakhosi since 1996 have won this competition through its various name changes seven times and are the defending champions, according to Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane the fact that they are the holders will not add any additional pressure to that already faced by them.
“I believe whenever we take to the field there is always pressure on us we are the defending champions and that does not really make it more difficult for us, we well aware of the fans expectations”, divulged Letsholonyane.
Letsholonyane who sat out last seasons Telkom Knockout Cup Final as he was preparing for the 2010 World Cup with Bafana Bafana during the earlier rounds, is determined to make up for missing out on a Cup Final appearance by taking Chiefs back to the championship game in December.
As he said, “the game against Amazulu will be tough, I did miss out on playing in last season’s final and would really love to help Chiefs reach the final this time out so that I could make up for that. Will do whatever it takes to ensure that we go past the last 16 stage”
Another key member of the Chiefs midfield Tinashe Nengomasha who has won this competition five times with Chiefs over the last eight years knows the dangers of being complacent when going into a cup game.
“We cannot read anything into Amazulu’s current form, I know and most of the guys have played in many cup games and know that we will underestimate Amazulu at our own peril” explained Tinashe.
The Zimbabwean international who began the season on the bench who has come into his own recently, feels that playing in Durban is an advantage FOR Chiefs “there are many Chiefs fans down there and they always come out to support us. Somehow we just seem to enjoy playing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.”
