Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to avoid a hat trick of loses to National First Division sides in the Nedbank Cup when they travel to Durban to face First Division outfit Nathi Lions in a round of 32 Cup clash at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Having been eliminated by the University of Pretoria and FC Cape Town from the lower divisions during the 2008 – 2009 and 2009 – 2010 competitions respectively Chiefs will adopt a cautious approach for the game as the club seeks its first title in this competition since the 2005 - 2006 season when they defeated Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the final.

History

The Nedbank Cup has gone through a number of facelifts over the years with the competition changing name based on the sponsor for most part, Chiefs have won the competition on 12 occasions with their last triumph being in 2006.

In all the Amakhosi have made it to the final a total of 17 times they first lifted this trophy in 1971, since the inception of the PSL in 1996 – 1997 Chiefs have been to the final three times in 1998 – 99, 99 – 00 and 05 – 06 and have lifted the trophy twice in 99 – 00 they defeated Sundowns in the final and as has been mentioned in 05 – 06 they saw off Pirates in Durban.

Earlier this season Chiefs lifted the Telkom Knockout Cup which was their 13th triumph in that competition, can Chiefs emulate that feat by winning their 13th Nedbank Cup.

Recent History

While Chiefs have not faced Nathi Lions in any official games in recent times their clashes against teams from the first division have been epic, while they were eliminated at the hands of teams from that division in the last two seasons they have had a difficult time against first division teams in their last three cup meetings against teams from that league.

During the 2005 – 2006 competition The Amakhosi needed extra time to see off City Pillars 5 – 4 in what was a nail biting nine goal thriller in a round of 16 clash, Louis Agyemang scored in second half injury time to send the game to extra time.

Another late goal from then Chiefs skipper Cyril Nzama in the final minute of extra time sent Chiefs through to the next round. Given these experiences Chiefs will not be taking Nathi Lions lightly and will be looking for a convincing win to get them through to the last 16 stage.

Missing out

Chiefs are fortunate enough not to have any players suspended for the game and can select their strongest team possible.