Kaizer Chiefs brace for pressure to win in the Carling Knockout Cup encounter.
Chiefs gear up for the competition this week, the excitement from their recent celebration quickly fades in light of their ongoing silverware drought. The team enters this week filled with confidence, but the pressure mounts as they prepare to face SuperSport United. A loss in this crucial match will inevitably bring the conversation back to their empty trophy cabinet, a topic that has haunted the club since May 2015.
The Carling Knockout Cup marks a significant opportunity for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, as the team’s focus shifts from the Betway Premiership, where outcomes will be determined next year. This competition represents a chance for Chiefs to break their long-standing drought and regain some silverware.
Frustrating history of near misses
Kaizer Chiefs’ recent history has been riddled with frustration, having missed out on trophies 34 times in recent years. The team has fallen short in the league on nine occasions, in the MTN8 seven times, in the Telkom Knockout six times, and in the Nedbank Cup nine times. Additionally, Chiefs have faced disappointment in the CAF Champions League twice and stumbled in the CAF Confederation Cup during the 2018/2019 season.
Notably, the club has come agonisingly close to victory on multiple occasions, finishing as losing finalists in various competitions, including the league, MTN8, Telkom Knockout, and Nedbank Cup.
Carling Knockout: Historic stronghold for Chiefs
As the Carling Knockout Cup kicks off, Kaizer Chiefs can draw inspiration from their historical dominance in this competition. With 13 titles, the League Cup remains firmly under their control, while Mamelodi Sundowns follows with four wins. Chiefs last celebrated success in this tournament in 2010, when they secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates under the guidance of Vladimir Vermezovic.
However, their dominance in other cups is under threat, particularly in the Nedbank Cup, where they lead with 13 titles but face competition from Orlando Pirates, who have 10. In the MTN8, Chiefs hold 15 titles, while Pirates have closed the gap to 13.
Nabi’s men will take to the field as the away team against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 20:00. The match marks the beginning of the Last 16 in this year’s Carling Knockout Cup, and the Chiefs are eager to seize this opportunity to end their trophy drought.
Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs brace for pressure to win in the Carling Knockout Cup encounter.
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