Masango Calls for Kaizer Chiefs Carling Knockout Cup Victory
Masango Calls for Kaizer Chiefs Carling Knockout Cup Victory
Former Kaizer Chiefs player Mandla Masango has called on his former club to secure the Carling Knockout Cup, arguing that silverware is essential to boost coach Fernando Da Cruz’s confidence and reward supporters following a challenging period. The team faces Siwelele FC in the quarterfinals this Sunday.
Former Kaizer Chiefs player Mandla Masango has urged his former club to win the Carling Knockout Cup, stating that the team deserves silverware after enduring a difficult season and recent years of hardship. Speaking from Randburg, Masango emphasized that securing the trophy would validate the players' efforts and boost coach Fernando Da Cruz’s confidence.
Kaizer Chiefs have faced significant challenges under Da Cruz, including an early exit from the MTN8 title race and elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup. The team also lost the Soweto Derby and recorded several draws in the Betway Premiership while managing a substantial injury list. These results have raised concerns among fans regarding the club's prospects for the season.
The club and its supporters are eager for trophies, having won only one in the last decade during the 2024/25 campaign under former coach Nasreddine Nabi. Masango, who was part of the Amakhosi’s glory days, believes a victory in the upcoming knockout competition would lift the team's spirit.
"Winning the Carling Knockout will not only boost the coach’s confidence, but will also lift the spirit of the team, because the players have suffered a lot and it is time for a bit of success," Masango said. "Because I think the guys really deserve it for the efforts that they put in and, of course, to win it for the supporters who spend their hard-earned money to go to the stadium, purchase the regalia, irrespective of the results."
Masango noted that securing the trophy would help the team believe they can compete against rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, whose dominance has created a "two-horse race" in recent years. He added that winning this competition would do "a great deal going forward" for the squad's belief.
Kaizer Chiefs are set to face Siwelele FC in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening, with the match scheduled to begin at 6pm. Club executive Elias Mokwana has previously promised to help deliver silverware to the team as they navigate this critical phase of the season.
N.Steward--EWJ
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