Da Cruz makes bold statement ahead of Chiefs vs Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has welcomed the prospect of facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final.

Amakhosi edged out Siwelele 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening to book their place in the last four. Shortly after the match, the semi-final draw was conducted, handing Chiefs a challenging fixture against their rivals Sundowns.

Da Cruz welcomed the draw, insisting his team needs to face strong opposition to keep developing.

“We knew we wanted to qualify for the semi-final, and if we qualify we’ll play a big game in the semi-final,” the Chiefs mentor as per Kickoff.

“But we need this type of game because our team needs to grow up, and with this type of game our team will grow up,” Da Cruz added.

Kaizer Chiefs have already faced Sundowns in the league this season, with the encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.

Da Cruz believes the upcoming semi-final presents another opportunity for his side to test themselves and move one step closer to ending their trophy drought.

“So it’s a very good game for us, and we’ll play this game for sure to qualify for the final,” he concluded.

Chiefs and Sundowns meet once again

Masandawana will go into the clash hoping to play their second domestic final. Defeat to MC Alger in the CAF Super Cup might motivate the Brazilians against Chiefs but it will take a lot from Miguel Cardoso’s men to bounce back.