Five Games in 17 Days: Chiefs Return From the Break Facing a Brutal October
Kaizer Chiefs have had their rest. Now comes the grind. Amakhosi return to Betway Premiership action on Tuesday against Stellenbosch FC after a three-week FIFA break, and the schedule ahead leaves very little room to breathe.
Five matches in 17 days await in October, spread across the Betway Premiership, the CAF Confederation Cup, the Carling Knockout and the Soweto Derby. The month also includes away trips to Zambia and Durban, so Fernando Da Cruz will need every player in his squad fit and fresh.
Rest Now, Test Later
Da Cruz sees the break as well-timed. He believes it gave his squad valuable recovery time before the heavy workload and allowed the team to sharpen key aspects of their game. The coach is taking the schedule one game at a time. “We are happy to be back on the field and look forward to an intense month that includes travel to Zambia and Durban. But it’s important to focus on one game at a time,” he said.
A Birthday Present for Chairman Motaung
There is an emotional layer to the month as well. Club chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung celebrates his birthday this week, and Da Cruz wants his players to mark it in the best way possible. “We must make sure we show up and give him the best birthday present by performing well in the upcoming games, starting with Tuesday’s match against Stellenbosch,” the coach said.
Stellenbosch Won’t Be a Pushover
Da Cruz expects a tough opening test. “We know it’s not going to be an easy match because they want the three points as much as we do. We have worked hard as a team and planned thoroughly for this match against Stellenbosch,” he said.
The log backs that up. Chiefs sit fourth with 13 points from seven matches, while the Winelands side are seventh on eight points after the same number of games. A win would strengthen Chiefs’ push towards the top of the table before the heavy October schedule really bites.
Match Details
Kick-off at FNB Stadium is at 19:30. Tickets cost just R80 and are available through the MyTicket app, or in-store at Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide. Supporters are encouraged to buy early.
