MTN8 semis: Pressure on Chiefs as they look to end eight-year drought

Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki says they will pull all strings to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns when they lock horns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.

The two giants are pencilled to clash on Saturday at the FNB Stadium as Kaizer Chiefs’ quest to end their eight-year trophy drought continues.

Naturally, the spotlight falls on the Molefi Ntseki-coached side, who lost their last match against Mamelodi Sundowns last month. 

They lost 2-1, with Ribeiro Costa and Neo Maema on target for the Tshwane giants, while Ashley du Preez scored Chiefs’ consolation.

However, what gives Ntseki confidence ahead of this clash is how his men performed in the last two DStv Premiership matches against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch, respectively.

The Glamour boys thrashed Usuthu 3-0 before overcoming Stellenbosch 2-0 on Wednesday evening.

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At this point, the former Bafana Bafana tactician, Ntseki, feels his team is slowly starting to move as a solid unit.

“We are done with this one. The plan, the preparations, will obviously be into the first leg. 

“And I think the most important thing for us is to get maximum points, going into the semi-final with a bit of confidence.

“Again, we needed the points. Very good performance from our end. But from now going forward, we will be thinking and planning for the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals,” Ntseki told SuperSport TV.

Amakhosi got their goals from Pule Mmodi and Christian Saile to brush aside Stellenbosch, who will take on Orlando Pirates on Sunday in another semi-final.

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Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are also bullish and hope to complete a double over the Naturena-based side.

Sundowns have won all their six DStv Premiership matches, taking their tally to an impressive 18 points.

They are eight points ahead of their closest challengers, Golden Arrows and SuperSport United, who have played five games each.

The defending champions have won the league six consecutive times, and with their current devastating form, it will be no surprise if they inflict pain on Chiefs.

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Polokwane City 2-0 on Wednesday, setting the stage for the blockbuster clash against Amakhosi.