Kaizer Chiefs attacker Ashley Du Preez admits that they are still hurting after their MTN8 semi-final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns three days after the clash.
What hurt Du Preez the most is the way they were knocked out as they created several goal-scoring opportunities but didn’t take their chances, and the referee on the day denied them what appeared to be a clear penalty late in stoppage time.
However, Ashley Du Preez insists that Amakhsoi must get over the heartbreak very quickly if they are to compete in the league and in the two remaining cup competitions: the Nedbank Cup and the newly formed Carlin Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs drew 1-1 against Sundowns in the first leg at FNB Stadium before controversially losing 2-1 on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (3-2 on aggregate).
Du Preez, who scored against Sundowns, said Chiefs are eager to return to winning ways when they host Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday.
‘WE FAILED THE CLUB AND IT HURTS’: DU PREEZ
“It’s very tough; it’s still hurting. [Downs loss). I think we had a massive opportunity to put our hands on the trophy and make history,” said Du Preez.
“It didn’t happen, and we are very hurt about it. “It’s going to be tough to move on because we know we haven’t won a trophy in years, and we really wanted to change that, especially to make the fans happy. We failed them, and we failed the club. “But, there is still a lot to play for, and this must be a learning experience for us, which we must take into our next games by winning every weekend. Only that will make us feel better as a club and as supporters”.
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Du Preez is wary of the challenge posed by Sekhukhune, but his focus is on his own team’s execution of their game plan. The 26-year-old added: “Sekhukhune are a tough team, they are physical and they can also play.
But from our side, coming off a setback, we can go into this game to get rid of our frustrations. “We must go out there and get the three points, and I will be determined to convert any chances that come my way. I think this is a game where we can show our will to win, our resilience, the hunger in the mentality of every player, and do the job.
“If we win our individual battles, we’ll get the points so I am more focused on what we must do than on them.”