Telkom Knockout


Kaizer Chiefs v Platinum Stars


26 October 2014


FNB Stadium

“This is not going to be a walk in the park,” states Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter just after taking his charges through the final preparations before Sunday’s Telkom Knockout clash against Platinum Stars.

The Amakhosi and Dikwena will meet for the fourth time this season when they clash in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals at the FNB Stadium (kick-off at 3pm).

Chiefs earned their place in the last eight of the Telkom Knockout thanks to a 1-0 home win over Maritzburg United in the first round. Bernard Parker scored the decisive goal.

Ironically, Parker will be making a welcome return to the squad for Sunday’s encounter. Baxter confirms: “Parker will be available for selection. We are still watching over the recovery progress of Katlego Mphela and Itumeleng Khune. Maluleka has joined the duo on the sideline with a groin injury, which he picked up in the last Sunday’s Ajax Cape Town game.”

The Amakhosi have played 21 Telkom Knockout matches since the tournament’s inception in 2006, recording 11 wins, five draws and five defeats. They have won all five of the penalty shootouts they have been involved in.

There has been a lot of talk about Kaizer Chiefs side being under pressure following their midweek draw against Moroka Swallows.

Baxter, however, responds to his critics full of confidence: "I have heard this talk about us being under pressure. I don't think some people understand what pressure is. As Chiefs, we are always under pressure. And because these critics have never been in our shoes, they want to create pressure. We are not under pressure. We are professionals and going on with what is expected from us."

The Amakhosi have lifted the trophy three times since the Telkom Knockout era started, winning in 2007/08, 2009/10 and 2010/11.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Stars have met in six previous Cup encounters since the latter’s promotion to the Absa Premiership in 2003.

The most recent Cup clashes were in the semifinals of this season’s MTN8: the Amakhosi won 2-0 away and 3-0 at home for a comprehensive 5-0 aggregate victory. Overall, the teams have met in 29 matches across all competitions since 2003/04.

Chiefs have claimed 13 victories compared to seven for Dikwena, while nine matches have been drawn.

Aside from the MTN8 meetings, Chiefs have also beaten Stars in the league this season, winning 2-0 in Rustenburg in late August.

Baxter refers to the history and despite the recent successes over Stars, he believes this will be a new ball game: "It's more of a challenge to us than them. This is not going to be a walk in the park. This is a very difficult game. They will be looking at turning the tables."

“We are professionals,” the Amakhosi coach concludes. “This is a job we have to do. We represent the badge by dressing the gear and the uniform. We have to do our best to reach the semifinals."