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Makhaula wary of Chiefs danger, likens them to cunning snake
'We cannot underestimate Chiefs because they lost some of their games,' said the AmaZulu captain.
Makhehleni Makhaula is expecting a tough clash against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup. (Picture: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix)
AmaZulu FC captain Makhehleni Makhaula has warned his teammates against reading too much into Kaizer Chiefs’ shaky form ahead of their clash on Saturday afternoon.
The two giants collide in a DStv Premiership at Kings Park Stadium in Durban in what should be a game that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Usuthu are just picking up form while Amakhosi are still taking shots in the dark, but history favours the Soweto side.
“We cannot underestimate Chiefs because they lost some of their games. For us, there is pressure because we are playing at home. They are also under pressure to win. With us, we always have pressure because we finished second last season,” said Makhaula.
“It is encouraging, though also dangerous because at times you might think that this is a dead snake, yet it is not and will awaken and bite you.
“Once it awakens and bites it makes it difficult. Let us not take them lightly. Don’t you dare say the snake is dead when it is only sleeping and scanning its surroundings to see how it will escape.
“Chiefs’ situation can change quickly and we can become the ones that are now under pressure. I prefer to lead by example and encourage the troops that we should go in for the battle. I think coach Benni (McCarthy) gave me the armband for this reason.
“I don’t believe in talking on the field and this is what he told me that no matter how talented you are, if you don’t work hard, you will never go anywhere so I think working hard is the right thing in life.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs’ Reeve Frosler said they remain positive that the dark cloud hanging over them at the moment will pass soon. The results have not been favourable for Amakhosi in the first five games of the season.
“The guys are positive in the dressing room. We’d like to get better obviously and the discussion is how we can do just that and how we can get the best out of each other. But the dressing room is good and everyone is positive that we can get better throughout the season.
“The season is long. The season is not five games, it’s 30 games. We’ve got to be patient and get the small things right and eventually get better and hopefully perform at our best soon.”
