‘Do or die’ for Chiefs – Parker
SEMIS: FACE LAST HURDLE TO TELKOM KNOCKOUT FINAL
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Kaizer Chiefs can make the Telkom Knockout final and get closer to ending four years of fruitless toiling – and long-serving utility player Bernard Parker knows what needs to be done to overcome Maritzburg United in the semifinals at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday afternoon.
Parker, 33, said a determined and intensive display like the team have been giving since this season started can see them off to Durban where the final will be played on December 14.
“It’s so important for us to reach the final. It’s do or die time,” Parker told the club’s website.
“With the quality we have and if everyone gives their all and is fully focused, we can do that.
“I think we’ve done that well so far and big ups to the senior players who have kept the guys close.
“We have our focus, which is to play well and win. Getting to the final will boost our confidence sky high.”
If there were doubts about Chiefs’ credibility, the past four games must have put those to rest, with the side managing four wins in a row in difficult and taxing matches in both the league and cup, against Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates (twice), with Chippa United sandwiched in between.
Parker believes the Fifa international break was just what they needed to refresh ahead of the difficult semifinal.
“The break came at the right time for us after we had an intensive three weeks.
“It was good for us to win those games and get the maximum points in the league, and also progress in the cup competition.
“The break was good for us to refresh and refocus,” said Parker.
Amakhosi will be without Eric Mathoho and Willard Katsande, who are suspended, but Maritzburg’s veteran defender Nazeer
Allie said that counts for nothing.
“They have a big squad. They have quality players who can come in and fill in those places.
“They are a big team with a big squad of quality players. Even on the bench they have quality.”