With the season now at its penultimate stage, Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has insisted that the last two matches will be pressure games in their quest to finish in the top eight.
Amakhosi are currently sitting uncomfortably in position eight and will host number nine-placed Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off time is at 3pm.
It goes without saying that the clash against City is a must-win game for the Glamour Boys. That’s if they are to close off what was a topsy-turvy DStv Premiership campaign on a positive note.
Trophyless season
Chiefs will once again endure a trophyless season after crashing out of all domestic cup competitions. These are the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout.
They also missed out on the Caf Champions League and Confederations Cup spots. This means they only have one thing left to fight for. That is to finish in a much more respectable position inside the top eight.
Johnson admitted that the clash against City is a must-win game for his side. He was speaking during a media open day at the Chiefs village in Naturena, south of Johannesburg on Thursday.
“All games played at Kaizer Chiefs are pressure games and we all have to always put our best foot forward,” Johnson said.
“We have been trying. And our last two games ended in draws even though we had many opportunities to score more goals.
Back to collect key points
“But we came back to the drawing board. And we have been working as hard as we can with the players’ mentality to be able to control the ball and put it in the back of the net.
“Tomorrow [Saturday] is no different, it will be a game between number eight and nine – which is to us a cup final. And it will be really important for us to go out and collect three points.”
Meanwhile, the game against Polokwane City will also be an emotional day. The club will be honouring veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for his 25 years of service at Chiefs.
Khune, 36, is a stalwart of South African football and the most decorated player in the history of Kaizer Chiefs.
With the team in an awkward position in the log standings, it is yet to be seen whether Khune will get to feature in any of the last two games for Chiefs. This after his return from suspension recently.
The Glamour Boys are level on 35 points with Rise and Shine after 28 games.
