Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says his side are focused on winning both the Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup ahead of their quarter-final clash against SuperSport United on Saturday.
The Glamour Boys progressed to the last eight of the competition, beating giant-killers Acornbush United 2-1 at the Kabokweni Stadium when Gustavo Paez cancelled out Mudzunga Sidumo’s 43rd minute opener.
However, Amakhosi are confident ahead of the clash, and will be looking to extend their 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
The 49-year-old coach says he is well aware of the threat SuperSport poses, but says Amakhosi will remain fixed on doing well in the Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup.
‘Playing against a team that’s been losing is dangerous, so our approach will be to focus on the game and not on their past results,’ Komphela said at a press conference ahead of their Nedbank Cup clash.
‘At Kaizer Chiefs we have to fight for both matches, the league and the cup, but we do want to win both.
‘It’s important to think of both games equally, focus now for us is the Cup and then the league. After all that, CAF.’
Komphela also said that he is delighted with George Lebese’s recent performance for Amakhosi, after he scored a late winner against Chippa United at the Mbombela Stadium on 15 April.
‘I was happy Lebese scored, especially after our predictions, so the celebration was to show Lebese that he is still a valuable player,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Chiefs striker Bernard Parker says that his side will head into the clash with a positive mindset, and will aim to go on and win the trophy after their trophyless campaign last season.
‘The mood is positive at camp, its just up to us to stay positive and mentally prepared,’ Parker said.
‘It’s hurtful that we didn’t win anything for the past season. but now our main aim is focus on the current season and win something.
Parker went on to say that he will be hoping to form a formidable partnership with striking partner Paez under the guidance of Komphela.
‘Connection upfront is very important at Kaizer Chiefs, with Paez it is easy because of his ability to run into space.
‘The coach’s predictions are always spot on because he believes in us and pushes us to become better.’
Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they take on SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 18:00.
