Abia Nale has insisted that he and his teammates have put the game against Orlando Pirates in the past and are now fully focused on the MTN8 quarterfinal fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns. The two teams meet at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, 05 August 2012 and kick off is at 3pm.

Abia Nale received a standing ovation from the thousands of Amakhosi fans that had filled the stadium following a solid performance that was coupled by his first goal in the Soweto derby last weekend as Chiefs lost on penalties in the Carling Black Label Cup.

“The game against Orlando Pirates is behind us,” said the soft spoken midfielder speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday afternoon.

“We all played very well against Orlando Pirates and we were unlucky not to win the game. Personally it was good to get my name on the score sheet but it counts for nothing going to the game against Sundowns this coming weekend. I am 250% focused on the next task and I am sure it is the same with my teammates and the Technical Team,” said Nale

Nale believes that the game on Sunday gives the team an opportunity to give back to the fans; “Our supporters have been fantastic and it would be good to win the game and progress to the next round for them. They always come all out to support us during good and challenging times and we appreciate this as players.”

The player affectionately known to his adoring fans as ‘Mkhutuzi’ or ‘Soul Provider’ made his debut in the gold and black against Mamelodi Sundowns back in January 2009; “The aim was to make sure that I enjoy myself and contribute to the success of the Club and ended up having a very good game creating a winner for us with Ogbonna scoring late in the second half.”

“I also had a good game in the second round against Sundowns that season scoring a winner at Kings Park Stadium. I will always remember making my debut but the game on Sunday cannot be compared to any of the games I have played against Sundowns.”

“I always want to play well and improve as a player in each and every game and it is games like this that as a player you look forward to and we want to stand up and be counted,” added the Vaal-born midfielder.