Chiefs’ Dove calls for focus as Amakhosi seek out MTN8 spot

Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove says Amakhosi need to quickly refocus after their Nedbank Cup triumph as they look to win their last two games and hopefully make it into next season’s MTN8. 

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Chiefs play Sekhukhune United on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and then take on Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on May 24 to finish off their Betway Premiership season. 

Chiefs target six out of six

Six points out of six are likely to be enough for ninth-placed Chiefs to climb into the top eight. However, while Chiefs had a brilliant run to the Nedbank Cup title, beating Orlando Pirates last Saturday to lift the trophy in Durban, their league form has been abysmal. 

Nasreddine Nabi’s side have not won any of their last seven top flight matches and badly need to find a way to get back on the victory trail. 

“We know the importance of Saturday’s game, we must put our celebrations aside and refocus on the league,” said Dove this week. 

“We have been training well, the mood is there, the energy is positive and hopefully we can go into the game with a clear idea of what needs to be done. That is what the coaches have been pushing us to do throughout our training sessions. They have been keeping the gents in check and making sure we have all the tools we need going into Saturday’s game.” 

Even if Dove wants they focus to be on Sekhukhune, he admits it was a special moment last Saturday, when Chiefs beat the Buccaneers 2-1 to win a first trophy in ten years. 

“It is a feeling you can’t describe in words,” said Dove, who has returned to the Chiefs side this year after a long-term injury. 

“Not only for ourselves, for the club, for the supporters and for the chairman, a person who has done so much for us. 

“We went ten years without (a trophy) … I am 100 percent this trophy will stay a part of our lives for the longest time.” 

‘A difficult season’

Chiefs are unlikely to find it easy against Sekhukhune. Eric Tinkler’s side are third in the table and if they can stay there, they will qualify with Chiefs for next season’s Caf Confederation Cup. 

“It has been a difficult season but that is our main goal right now, trying to make sure by all means we end in the top eight,” added Dove. 

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“There are no easy games but we are ready to fight for it … we know the threat they possess. But it is most important to focus on ourselves and try to fix what we can fix that we haven’t been doing so well.”