×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Dual mission drives Kaizer Chiefs

Daniel Cardoso of Kaizer Chiefs./Dirk Kotze /Gallo Images
Daniel Cardoso of Kaizer Chiefs./Dirk Kotze /Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs intend to kill two birds with one stone when they host Highlands Park in a league encounter at FNB Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

First and foremost, top-of-the-table Amakhosi are determined to bounce back from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at SuperSport United to substantiate their title credentials.

After turning 50 yesterday, Chiefs' secondary motive to go all out for a win tonight would be to complement their half-century anniversary celebrations, a milestone Amakhosi will be celebrating throughout the year.

Chiefs centre-back Daniel Cardoso stressed the significance of outclassing the Lions of the North, aiming to crown their jubilee and consolidate their rather solid home record, having only lost one of their six league outings in their back yard, with five wins and a draw.

"It's our 50th anniversary and we want to keep our home form going. Obviously, we took a setback [referring to the defeat by SuperSport], we know what's at stake as players and it's a must-win for us [against Highlands],'' said Cardoso.

Cardoso knows Highlands will be a tough nut to crack, especially coming off a 2-1 win over Black Leopards.

"Highlands are a very good team. they got a result on the weekend, they won 2-1 and obviously they gonna come at us knowing they have the upper hand,'' Cardoso said.

The Glamour Boys will be without influential striker and top scorer Samir Nurkovic, who is suspended after picking up his third yellow card against Matsatsantsa. However, Cardoso refused to make the Serb's absence a big deal.

"We've a big enough squad to rise to the occasion. We've got other strikers that would be given a chance, so it's not such a big deal.''

As Amakhosi had made all the tickets available free of charge, a gesture that's part of their 50th birthday commemoration, about 80000 spectators are expected to flock to FNB Stadium tonight.

Gabadinho Mhango scored a rare hat-trick when Orlando Pirates thrashed Polokwane City 4-1 away, with another goal coming from Ben Motshwari in their Absa Premiership match last night.

Elsewhere, Mamelodi Sundowns drew 0-0 against a 10-man Bidvest Wits at Loftus, while Bloem Celtic beat Stellenbosch 2-1 in Cape Town.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.