Hlanti issues big Chiefs rallying call after stumble

Sifiso Hlanti (below) says it is up to Kaizer Chiefs to band together and put the embarrassing loss to Royal AM behind them, as they prepare to face another DStv Premiership newbie, Marumo Gallants, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow.

Hlanti is one of the more experienced players in the Chiefs ranks, though he only joined Amakhosi this season, and has issued a rallying call following the 4-1 hammering Chiefs took at FNB Stadium.

“Losing such games is always painful for us as players, knowing very well what we need to do at times. But some things do not go the way we want,” Hlanti told the Chiefs official website.

“I want to see the team doing well and collecting points. A collective positive attitude will give us the platform as a team to do that.”

Hlanti adds that Chiefs need to change their attitude when it comes to preparing for matches.

“It is something that we are working on. We need to change our mentality and approach to games as players. That will help us and ensure that things become better and better. It is up to us as players to make things happen.

“When you look at the guys at training, the positive attitude is there, the mentality that we have and the character that we are showing is positive. We still have more games to play, and we will give it our best.”

The former Bidvest Wits and Swallows left back did score Chiefs’ consolation strike against Royal AM, and was delighted to get off the mark for Amakhosi.

“Scoring a goal playing for a big team like Chiefs is an honour, although we lost the game.

“We will turn things around and do what we do best. I believe with the players that we have and the quality we have, we will soldier on and do better.”

Gallants will also be looking to bounce back from a defeat, though they were a little unfortunate to be beaten by Maritzburg United in midweek, with a late stoppage-time sucker-punch downing Sebastian Migne’s men after they had most of the good chances.