“We nearly gave it away,” reflected coach Ernst Middendorp on the 4-2 win over a resilient Chippa United on Saturday night. “In the end, we got the result we were looking for. We showed character.”

Thanks to the win, Kaizer Chiefs is progressing to the Nedbank Cup final.

“I am happy with the result,” continued Middendorp. “All the players came to the party. Willard Katsande did very well, pushing the team forward and that’s what we expect from him.

“We also scored great goals, coming from four different players which is good for the team.”

The goals were scored by Dumsani Zuma, Dax Andrianarimanana, Bernard Parker and Khama Billiat.

Chiefs had to adapt to an early set-back when Kabelo Mahlasela had to leave the pitch after he was stamped on his foot with the studs of an opponent’s boot. This resulted in his foot starting to bleed profusely. Mahlasela was replaced by Zuma.

“Mahlasela’s injury is a concern,” commented the Chiefs coach, “especially as he was just starting to work his way into the team. Let’s hope it’s not too serious.”

The final will take place at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 18 May. The opponent will be TS Galaxy after beating Golden Arrows 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

“We look forward to playing the final in Durban,” remarked Middendorp.

The players won’t have much time to rest though as Amakhosi will play Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, 23 April (kick-off at 19:30).

“We will have to recoup and regroup quickly to be ready for Tuesday’s game,” said Middendorp. “There’s no time to dwell on this result.”

“The match against Arrows will be another tough one, but we will be well prepared and ready to get the three points.”