IT WAS a defeat to Ajax Cape Town in November last year that could have led to a meltdown for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Instead, it served as a wake-up call and sent them on a remarkable 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions that ended last week.
Amakhosi are in pole position to defend their Absa Premiership title, but the Urban Warriors have a history of running them close.
The two sides meet again tonight at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane with contrasting targets as the league campaign reaches its final weeks. Ajax skipper and former Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs knows the threat the log leaders pose even without Bernard Parker, who is suspended.
But despite that, Isaacs said Ajax needed to start picking up points to consolidate their place in the top eight. Chiefs, however, will do well not to underestimate Ajax. "There is no use hyping our youngsters if they fade after a few games. Everyone knows that they have huge potential, but they need protection even after doing well against the big teams in this league," said Isaacs yesterday.
"For me, a player like Abbubaker Mobara, 20, has been consistent and Keagan Dolly, 21, has come off his slump and is making a contribution. It doesn't matter even if Parker is not playing, they have plenty of quality to pick from and do the job."
Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela said they were ready to tackle the unpredictable Ajax side.
Masilela said the derby against Pirates was done and dusted and that they were looking forward to tonight's encounter. "Ajax are a good team. They have an exciting bunch of young players who are full of energy," said Masilela in an interview on the club website.
Chiefs wary of Ajax
IT WAS a defeat to Ajax Cape Town in November last year that could have led to a meltdown for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Instead, it served as a wake-up call and sent them on a remarkable 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions that ended last week.
Amakhosi are in pole position to defend their Absa Premiership title, but the Urban Warriors have a history of running them close.
The two sides meet again tonight at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane with contrasting targets as the league campaign reaches its final weeks. Ajax skipper and former Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs knows the threat the log leaders pose even without Bernard Parker, who is suspended.
But despite that, Isaacs said Ajax needed to start picking up points to consolidate their place in the top eight. Chiefs, however, will do well not to underestimate Ajax. "There is no use hyping our youngsters if they fade after a few games. Everyone knows that they have huge potential, but they need protection even after doing well against the big teams in this league," said Isaacs yesterday.
"For me, a player like Abbubaker Mobara, 20, has been consistent and Keagan Dolly, 21, has come off his slump and is making a contribution. It doesn't matter even if Parker is not playing, they have plenty of quality to pick from and do the job."
Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela said they were ready to tackle the unpredictable Ajax side.
Masilela said the derby against Pirates was done and dusted and that they were looking forward to tonight's encounter. "Ajax are a good team. They have an exciting bunch of young players who are full of energy," said Masilela in an interview on the club website.