Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for a Carling Knockout semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, a match head coach Fernando Da Cruz says is essential for his team's growth. The draw was made on Sunday evening, setting up a blockbuster clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium following Chiefs' 2-1 quarter-final win over Siwelele FC.

Da Cruz stated the fixture is exactly the type of challenge his squad needs. "So it’s a very good game for us, and we will play this game for sure to be qualified for the final," the coach said. He acknowledged that facing a continental heavyweight like Sundowns is a necessary step if Kaizer Chiefs are to reach a major final. Da Cruz elaborated, emphasising the importance of the test for his developing team, which currently sits fifth in the Premier Soccer League on 14 points from nine games, having recorded three wins and five draws.

Quarter-final comeback

Chiefs secured their semi-final spot with a resilient comeback at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. They conceded an early goal from Siyabonga Ndebele's 11th-minute corner but fought back. Wandile Duba converted a penalty just before halftime to equalise, and Asanele Velebhayi netted the winner six minutes from full time. The victory marked the first time Chiefs have reached the Carling Knockout semi-finals this season. Da Cruz praised his team's reaction after going a goal down. That win over Siwelele was part of a recent run of three wins and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions.

Squad updates ahead of clash

There could be a boost for the semi-final, with winger Elias Mokwana potentially available after the upcoming international break. Defender Langelihle Phili is also recovering from injury and may be in contention. The team currently sits fifth in the Premier Soccer League with 14 points from nine games, a significant 12 points behind leaders Sundowns. In the league, their form over the last five games shows one win, three draws and a single defeat.

Da Cruz expressed overall satisfaction with the character shown against Siwelele but noted areas for improvement. He pointed to a missed first-half penalty by Mduduzi Shabalala, who is the club's top scorer this season with two goals, as a moment where the game could have been killed off sooner. The coach will now focus his squad fully on the semi-final, a repeat of the 1-1 league draw between the sides earlier this campaign. The other semi-final will see Orlando Pirates face Stellenbosch FC, with the final scheduled for 14 December at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

First reported at sabcnews.com