Kaizer Chiefs head into their weekend DStv Premiership clash with Sekhukhune United in a buoyant and confident mood, having secured a place in the Nedbank Cup Semifinals with a victory against Royal AM last Sunday. Chiefs now shift their attention back to the tight race to qualify for next season's CAF Champions League.

With the battle for second place heating up, Chiefs’ clash against Sekhukhune takes on added importance, with Amakhosi looking to gain maximum points from their remaining five league games of the season in order to achieve their objective.

With Chiefs lying three points behind second-placed SuperSport, albeit having played a game less, and trailing Orlando Pirates by two points, the importance of winning this clash is very much at the forefront of goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen’s mind.

“It’s very important for us to continue where we left before the cup game,” Petersen explained, referring to the fact that Chiefs are undefeated in their last five league games having won four and drawn one. He then added, “We have been on a good run and it is important for us to go into this game and collect maximum points because we are fighting for the second spot.”

According to Petersen, Chiefs’ preparations for the game have gone well and he believes a positive result is on the table for Amakhosi.

“The week has gone well. The guys are looking sharp and we looking forward to this game. For me, it’s important to train the way I want to play, and the good performances have come from going into games being ready and prepared”.

With Petersen eager for redemption, after Amakhosi lost the earlier league clash between the sides in January at FNB Stadium. He is, however, wary of Sekhukhune’s threats, but believes Chiefs can get across the line.

“Sekhukhune is a difficult team to play against,” he admitted, “We know what they capable of from the first game, and they come into the game off a good cup run. We are expecting a tough game, but I have confidence in the boys, and I know we are going to go out and give our best.”

Chiefs will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to six matches without defeat on Sunday, and cut the gap on the teams ahead of them, as the season heads into the final stretch.