Philani Zulu of Kaizer Chiefs shoots at goal during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium on 16 January 2021 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs took a long look at themselves after Nedbank Cup exit
Philani Zulu believes that the Caf Champions League shambles has afforded Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to reflect on where things are going wrong for them in a campaign that has been frustrating.
Philani Zulu of Kaizer Chiefs shoots at goal during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium on 16 January 2021 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs have been afforded time for introspection after their shock exit from the Nedbank Cup.
The Glamour Boys were eliminated by minnows Richards Bay FC and haven’t played since given that their Caf Champions League match in Morocco was called off.
Kaizer Chiefs starting with the man in the mirror
Defender Philani Zulu, whose form has been one of the few positives for Kaizer Chiefs in a difficult season, said that the team are determined to bounce back when they face Amazulu on Wednesday afternoon.
“Looking at how we played in the last game, getting knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, it was a sad thing to just go through,” Zulu said.
“Now it’s up to us to just pick our feet up and look forward to the game against AmaZulu – it’s not going to be an easy game.”
Amazulu have the momentum
Amazulu are unbeaten in six league matches with their last defeat coincidentally coming against Kaizer Chiefs back in January.
Zulu and his Amakhosi teammates will have to be wary of an ever-improving side with a great deal of ambition.
In their last outing Amazulu held high-flying Moroka Swallows to a goalless draw, a result Zulu feels will give them momentum heading into the clash, while Kaizer Chiefs are still looking to rebound from their Nedbank Cup defeat.
“They played on Sunday so they have some momentum, while we haven’t been playing since the previous game in the Nedbank Cup,” Zulu added.
“So, it’s all up to us as players to just keep our feet on the ground and our heads up high, and just continue working hard and looking forward to the next game.”
Champions League debacle an opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs
Zulu believes that the Caf Champions League shambles has afforded Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to reflect on where things are going wrong for them in a campaign that has been frustrating.
“As much as it was a blunder for us not to go and play in the CAF, it gave us a bit more time to reflect on ourselves and prepare more as a team, because we needed that.
“Given the time we had, we’re looking good and we’re looking forward to giving the best [going forward].”
Kaizer Chiefs can move back into the top eight of the DStv Premiership with a win over Usuthu. Amazulu can leapfrog coach Benni McCarthy’s former team Cape Town City into sixth if they avoid defeat at the FNB Stadium.
