Chiefs treating visitors with much respect

AS much as Kaizer Chiefs are expected to stroll into the next round of the CAF Champions League, it is important that they win convincingly when they host Volcan de Moroni for the second leg of this preliminary round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight.

The Amakhosi enjoy a 4-0 lead from the first leg in Comoros a fortnight ago, courtesy of a double from defender Erick Mathoho and strikes from Bernard Parker and Sula Matovu.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, with five victories sandwiched by two draws.

With that momentum they should comfortably erase the memory of their last CAF outing in Durban when they lost 1-0 to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, in a first-round, first leg clash and eventually bowed out of Africa’s premier club competition on aggregate.

Speaking after his squad’s arrival in Durban yesterday, Chiefs coach Steve Komphela said it was vital to maintain a professional attitude and wrap up the victory to maintain their form.

“We have to respect the opposition and the game. All 26 players that we have registered are quality players, so whoever we choose must be credible and capable to play. You might have the best team, but if they have the worst attitude then that will be disrespect. I believe there is no question of complacency and everyone is focused for the match,” said Komphela.

While he is expected to make changes to the side that drew 1-1 against Polokwane City in the PSL in order to keep players fresh for next weekend’s Nedbank Cup opener against Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, Komphela shied away from talk of resting players.

“We will not be resting anyone. It’s a question of waiting until our last training session to see who will be selected. It’s important to keep the momentum going. The Nedbank Cup is still six days later so we will be able to prepare for it,” he said.

The Amakhosi captain Siphiwe Tshabalala added that despite the 4-0 win in Moroni, there were areas where the team could improve and that it was vital in such a competition not to treat the opposition lightly.

“At 4-0 up we’re still not happy because there’s room to improve, and this game gives us the opportunity to do that. We’re happy that we didn’t concede, but we still have to give the opposition respect,” he said.

“We’re on a great run, and when you play well it becomes easier, but we don’t want to get into a comfort zone. We must take it as a challenge to overcome. The players are mentally strong, they know the importance of the game, and want to do well and win.”

Chances are Komphela won’t tinker much with the backline, an area where Chiefs were found wanting earlier in the season.

The coach put that down to having to constantly change the defence because of suspensions and injuries.

This means Daniel Cardoso, who recently returned from injury and featured in the draw against Polokwane, is likely to retain his place alongside Mathoho, Lorenzo Gordinho and Tsepo Masilela.

With the PSL entering the final stretch and the Nedbank Cup set to start next week, Chiefs will welcome a fully match-fit Cardoso to bolster the depth as they chase trophies on three fronts.