Kaizer Chiefs face a defining week after a disappointing run threatened to derail their promising start under coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Amakhosi host TS Galaxy in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday (19:30) before facing Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby on Saturday (15:30). Both matches will be played at FNB Stadium, with Chiefs listed as the away side against Pirates.
Chiefs have won only one of their past eight matches in all competitions. They were knocked out of the MTN8 in the early rounds and exited the Caf Confederation Cup on Friday after losing 3-2 on penalties to Zambia’s Red Devils.
Their 1-0 victory in the second leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate, but they were eliminated before the group stage after the shootout.
Da Cruz and his players are under pressure despite sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr publicly backing the technical staff. Chiefs are without a win in their last five matches, having drawn with Polokwane City, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch in the league, as well as recording home and away stalemates against Red Arrows in the Confederation Cup.
They will hope to take advantage of a struggling TS Galaxy side managed by Bernard Parker. The Rockets have lost their past three league matches against Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and newcomers Kruger United, leaving them 13th in the table and facing a difficult task to revive their season.
A defeat by Galaxy would end Chiefs’ involvement in two domestic cup competitions. Dropping points against Pirates would also cost them ground on third-placed AmaZulu.
Pirates will attempt to extend their strong recent form when they meet Milford FC at Orlando Stadium in Tuesday’s other Carling Knockout fixture. The Buccaneers have lost only once in their past eight matches in all competitions.
They will go into the match with confidence after securing a place in the Champions League group stage by beating Namibia’s African Stars 5-0 on aggregate. Pirates are South Africa’s only representatives in the competition.
In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns will look to respond to their Champions League elimination when they host Marumo Gallants in their Carling Knockout last-16 tie at Loftus (19:30).
The Brazilians were unexpectedly knocked out by Angola’s Wiliete in the preliminary round despite being defending champions. Coach Miguel Cardoso said the Carling Knockout offered an immediate opportunity to recover from that disappointment.
“After the game against Wiliete SC, we had to reflect but it is important to take a step forward and continue. It is difficult to get over what happened but at the end of the day you have to take the step forward,” Cardoso said.
“Caf is a big trophy but we still have a lot to play for and we have to look forward to our match against Marumo Gallants.
“We have to overcome it and get back to winning ways and continue from there. It will make things easier than what they are now.”
