It’s good to see Chiefs getting self-belief back

Going into the weekend’s biggest game between Kaizer Chiefs and Absa Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, I have noticed the Chiefs players are beginning to show that much needed self-belief and the confidence is starting to show in the way they play.

What is most important is that when you look at most of their wins, they usually come from behind. This can only tell you that they are starting to adapt and respond positively in situations where they are trailing. This speaks of a strong mind-set and it is something that is starting to creep in and that is an interesting development in Chiefs’ game.

You look at Sundowns, they have been struggling with consistency like many teams. But when they win, they win convincingly and that brings about confidence.

The gap at the top is very small, and Chiefs will go in to the game knowing that if they beat the Brazilians, they will be in a much better position than they are right now in terms of challenging for the title.

It is something the entire Amakhosi nation is desperate to achieve because they have not won anything for quite a long time.

Pitso Mosimane’s ambition is to go back and win the Caf Champions League this year but I know for sure he still has the hunger to win the Premiership. That is why I feel he will go all out for this game and I foresee a lot of goals. I predict a very open game.

Leonardo Castro had a good start to his Chiefs career by scoring the winner on his debut. A lot is expected of him. He just about silenced the critics and all doubters. That goal might go a long way in terms of finishing the league on a high. He is motivated, he is happy that he instantly won the supporters and that will ease the pressure on him.

When he goes up against Sundowns, he will want to outperform them as it is normal for most players to make a statement when they face their previous clubs.

But honestly, I don’t think coach Steve Komphela will start with Castro. He is most likely to start with players who are used to each other and are used to Komphela’s philosophy and playing style. As the game progresses, he will integrate him with the team and I expect the same from Mosimane.

I don’t think he will start with the likes of new signings Jeremy Brockie, Leonardo Siniro and Aubrey Ngoma.

I want to commend Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy for the brilliant shift he has put in in the Mother City side’s challenge for the league title. McCarthy also reached the Telkom Knockout final in his maiden season as a coach in the top flight.

But I would like to advise him to analyse his behaviour lately.

He has not shown the best of conduct. We do understand because football is a game of emotions and we get caught up in the heat of the moment.

However, I think he needs to watch all of the videos where he was involved in squabbles at pitchside. If he does that he will respond positively going forward. He needs to do that in a calm environment and he will realise it was not a good thing to do.

He needs to stay away from behaviour that has negative influences on the players and other aspiring coaches who look up to him as a role model because he has done well as a player. He was a good footballer and a good disciplinarian on the field. He needs to look back at the influence he had in his playing days and make sure he continues in that fashion as a coach.