Cedric Kaze explains Kaizer Chiefs' challenges ahead of Carling Knockout Cup opener

Cedric Kaze knows that, like animals, football teams can be most dangerous when wounded. And so, while all Kaizer Chiefs fans anticipate a smooth passage to the next round of the Carling Knockout, the Amakhosi co-coach preaches caution.

“It’s unfortunate that the history of the last fixtures that Kaizer Chiefs won against Stellenbosch (FC) is not going to be of any help in this game,” Kaze said ahead of Sunday’s first-round clash against the inaugural winners of the domestic league cup.

Temporarily in charge of Chiefs alongside Youssef Ben Khalil while the club continues to resolve issues with coach Nasredinne Nabi, Kaze says the team is intent on winning the Carling Knockout. But he knows just how tricky the clash with a Stellenbosch side that has seemingly forgotten how to win is going to be.

“We need to go all out, but I believe a team like Stellenbosch that is not doing so well in the league will be tough. These kinds of tournaments can revive a team and give a fresh start to the squad, and we know they will be highly motivated to do a different thing in a different tournament – that’s why we need to go there very concentrated.”

He anticipates a difficult encounter.

“We are looking to have a tough game, but we are ready for the battle. It is a tournament that we want to go as far as we can; and why not until the end?”

Kaze welcomes the break from the league campaign, where Chiefs started well but have since lost some momentum – drawing 1-2 against AmaZulu midweek at the FNB Stadium.

“For every team in this tournament it is a fresh start and everyone is looking forward to it. We are happy to be in this tournament and we are willing to do everything we can to go all out.”

With Chiefs having signed several new players, a few of whom have yet to feature, the Congolese coach says the clash at Stellenbosch could see some of them given a start. Against AmaZulu, Ethan Chislett was on the bench but did not play.

“Yes, we will probably see some of the new players because in the last 18 days it will be our sixth game, which means we have been playing every three days for the past three weeks. It starts to be heavy on the players and we know we need fresh legs and fresh minds to get through the game.”

Just as he does not foresee their good history against Stellenbosch being of any help, Kaze says their previous triumph in the Nedbank Cup will not carry weight in the Carling Knockout.

“To win the Nedbank Cup was a big achievement for the club, but unfortunately that’s not going to help us on Sunday. I’d love for that to help, but I have to be realistic and know we have to start all over against a Stellenbosch team that wants to redeem themselves from their poor league form.”