Kaizer Chiefs’ Ashley du Preez: It’s about our mentality

Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez on Thursday made a revealing statement about the mentality of the AmaKhosi players.

Chiefs continue to struggle in the Betway Premiership, as their eighth place on the log suggests.

In fact, they are winless in their last five league outings and are now in danger of falling out of the top eight.

Chiefs, of course, upset Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in their Nedbank Cup semi-final just under two weeks ago. After that high, they were quickly brought down to earth with a goalless draw away to Chippa United over the weekend.

Mastering mental toughness against every opponent: Chiefs' strategy to dominate smaller teams

"I think each team comes out 200% against us when they play Chiefs,” said Du Preez.

"So, for us, it is to get in the same position and be even hungrier than the other teams.

"So, for me, it is definitely about the mentality when we go into league games playing against so-called small teams like Golden Arrows, Marumo Gallants, and all that.

In fact, it’s Chippa who are just behind Chiefs on the log, one point adrift with two games in hand.

It means Chiefs could easily finish outside the top eight, and possibly even worse than their 10th place finish last term.

"So, for us, when we go and play against Sundowns or (Orlando) Pirates, we are, like, motivated, and we want to win that specific game.

"But when we face the so-called smaller teams, then it is like we don’t match the resilience and hunger for the game.

"We need to win all the remaining league games to end in a better position and as a club here at Kaizer Chiefs we want to end in Africa, so we need to focus on winning every game.

"We are focusing on being consistent in these last few league games.”

Chiefs are next in action against Marumo Gallants on Saturday at 3pm in a league clash.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport