Strong spell to counter Magic
Chiefs vow to go hard on minnows
Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp will not be taking any chances when his team meet amateur side The Magic in the Nedbank Cup last 16.
The Cape Town side will host Amakhosi at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday (3pm).
Middendorp’s team laboured to a 1-0 win over another amateur side, Tornado, who, like The Magic, play in the ABC Motsepe League, in the first round.
Middendorp insisted on Thursday that he would field his best players.
“It’s our obligation to qualify for the next round, showing we take it seriously,” he said.
“The best that we have will be on the field and we are not going to take it easy and show disrespect [to the opponents].”
But Chiefs will be without new goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who is cup tied after playing for Chippa United against Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 32 and later joining Chiefs.
In his place, Bruce Bvuma will step in.
Chiefs are almost at full strength and the only players missing are Lebogang Manyama (knee), Itumeleng Khune (shoulder) and Mulomowandau Mathoho (ankle), who all have long-term injuries.
Central defender Daniel Cardoso admitted that they had taken Tornado lightly in the last 32.
The Magic have in their side former PSL player Thando Mngomeni, who is now 36 and last played in the top flight for Bidvest Wits five years ago.
They also confirmed the signing of ex-Chiefs left-winger Andisiwe Mtsila a week ago.
Mngomeni has conceded that some of his Magic teammates are staunch Kaizer Chiefs fans and he has pleaded with them to forget about their love for Amakhosi when the two sides meet.
Mngomeni faced Chiefs on numerous occasions at the height of his career and is crossing fingers that his colleagues do not suffer from stage fright on Sunday.
“Playing against Chiefs is always a special occasion and the players have been made aware of the situation and how they must handle themselves‚” Mngomeni said.
“I know that some of the players are Chiefs fans, but on the day they must forget about that and think about Magic FC and themselves.
“Whatever happens‚ we will be proud of ourselves for our achievement and return our focus on the league where we are fighting for promotion.”
The well-travelled former Bafana Bafana‚ SuperSport United‚ Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits midfielder is in the twilight of his career and certainly no stranger to the limelight.
After a few years in the wilderness since he left Wits in 2013‚ Mngomeni will be thrust back into the spotlight as a key member of The Magic in Port Elizabeth.
“Obviously I will not be the same as I was a few years ago but the determination and skills are still there‚” he said with a laugh‚ adding that he has matured with time and takes his responsibilities as a senior player seriously.
“My decision-making is much better and that rubs off on the younger players in the team who look up to me for guidance.”
He said they had analysed Chiefs and identified a few areas they would look to exploit.
“It is not going to be an easy game to negotiate because they have experience and better players in most departments‚” he said.