Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove says the team must suspend their Nedbank Cup celebrations to fully focus on securing a Top 8 finish.
Chiefs revived their ‘Cup Kings’ reputation last weekend by winning the Nedbank Cup, defeating Orlando Pirates in the final to end a 10-year trophy drought. The victory sent the club into celebration mode, with festivities including presenting the trophy to chairman Kaizer Motaung.
Amid the jubilation, Chiefs have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for their crucial Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Saturday (3pm).
Chiefs will visit Sekhukhune in their penultimate league fixture, needing all three points to keep their Top 8 hopes alive. Amakhosi currently sit ninth on the table with 30 points, level with eighth-placed Chippa United, who have played one game more.
“We know the importance of Saturday’s game. We have put the celebrations aside. We are reshuffling our focus to the league,” Dove told the club’s media team.
“We have been preparing well, and the mood has been right. The energy has been positive. Hopefully, we can go into this game with a clear idea of what needs to be done.
“The coaches have been doing their best to keep the gents in check during our training sessions and making sure that we have all the tools for Saturday.”
Chiefs must secure a Top 8 finish, not only to qualify for next season’s MTN8 and redeem last season’s shortcomings, but potentially to safeguard coach Nasreddine Nabi’s job. Despite winning the Nedbank Cup, reports suggest Nabi may be released at the end of the season due to inconsistency in league performance.
“It has been a bit of a difficult season, so that’s our main goal now — to make sure we finish in the Top 8,” Dove added. “We are working hard to make sure we achieve that. It won’t be easy, as there are no easy games, but we are ready to fight for it.”
Sekhukhune will be formidable opponents, as they also desperately need points to secure third place and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. Babina Noko currently occupy the spot, one point ahead of Stellenbosch, who host SuperSport United at Danie Craven Stadium in a simultaneous kick-off.
Sekhukhune have been in impressive form under coach Eric Tinkler, who has rejuvenated the side since taking over. Tinkler and striker Keletso Makgalwa were recognised in the DStv Premiership monthly awards for April, winning Coach and Player of the Month respectively. Chiefs’ attacker Makabi Lilepo won the Goal of the Month award.
“There are no easy games in this league. We know the threat they can pose, but the most important thing is to focus on ourselves and fix any wrongs,” said Dove on facing Sekhukhune.
“We have to make sure that we are ready on Saturday to go toe-to-toe with Sekhukhune. We need the points, and I am 100% sure the gents understand what’s at stake.”
