Sphele Mkhulise calls on Mamelodi Sundowns to match the intensity of Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs intends to view the upcoming match against Mamelodi Sundowns as an honor rather than a source of pressure. The team will host the fixture at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM, aiming to bring joy and pride to its fans.

The team is currently showing a strong start to the Betway Premiership campaign, having won the first two league matches: they defeated Kruger United 3-1 at Mbombela Stadium and beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.

However, their most significant challenge lies ahead—the league match against the reigning CAF Champions League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, at Calabash Stadium. The teams have faced each other previously.

Coach's and Defender's Comments

During the press conference following the victory over Sekhukhune, head coach Fernando da Cruz stated that the team needs to 'step up their game' on Saturday to match the level of African champions and assess their readiness for the season.

Defender Inacio Miguel emphasized at the pre-match press conference that the team will approach the game like any other and implement the planned seasonal objectives. He said: 'The message is clear: we fear no one. Whether they are Champions League or PSL top-division champions. We will meet them just as we met Sekhukhune, starting the game with the same ambition and fighting spirit.'

Miguel also added that the team does not feel pressure before the match because he believes they should do justice to the club, the fans, and themselves to ensure a worthy result and enjoy such games. He explained that pressure for him means needing to feed his family without being able to go to work, or when someone is in the hospital and you cannot visit them. He recalled feeling pressure when his grandmother was in Portugal and he was in Angola, eight hours away from home by flight. Therefore, in his opinion, playing for Chiefs in a big match is a privilege, not pressure.

He continued that this privilege obviously entails responsibilities. 'How we change the word privilege into responsibility is what matters. We will meet Sundowns with responsibility. There is nothing more beautiful. There is no better game for a game.'

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz stated that the upcoming match against Mamelodi Sundowns will test their readiness for the competitions, even with the tight match schedule.

Currently, Chiefs are showing good results in the league, having won the first two games against Kruger United and Sekhukhune United; the latter took place mid-week at the FNB stadium.

These victories have propelled the Amakhosi team to the top of the standings with six points, partially offsetting their early exit from the MTN8 cup quarter-finals against Golden Arrows.

Chiefs will host Sundowns at their Calabash stadium on Saturday, and Da Cruz believes this match will test their resilience, considering the dominant position of the 'Brazilians.'

During a press conference after the 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune, Da Cruz noted that they know Mamelodi Sundowns are the best team in Africa, having won the Champions League last season. He added that the team will try to reach the level of the Champions League on Saturday, as the match will give them a clear idea of the squad's readiness.

Despite welcoming the character test from the reigning continental champion, Da Cruz expressed disappointment regarding the premature scheduling of the game and the resulting calendar overload.

Da Cruz emphasized: 'It is a bit disappointing. The match is too early in the season,' he noted. 'We are the only team in the PSL playing three matches in six days, while others have seven days. This gives us one day less for recovery.' However, he added that the team will not make excuses and will play according to the schedule, as it cannot be changed.

Following intensive training outside the country in Austria, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated that the camp positively influenced the team's morale.

It is easy to assume that Orlando Pirates will win the fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa Cup, given their recent four victories in MTN8. However, based on past season results across all competitions and squad retention, Mamelodi Sundowns, rather than Pirates, are the clear favorites for the MTN8 title this season.

Pirates started the campaign well, defeating Milford FC 2-0 in the Betway Premiership title defense. This boosted morale as the team aims to defend all three of its trophies, including the Carling Knockout.

Nevertheless, their play did not demonstrate a convincing intent to dominate the league this season. The team lacked cohesion and fluidity, allowing new players to look good and show they are not in the top division merely to fill spots.

Coach Abdeslam Wadee openly commented on his team's performance, admitting that they have not yet become a cohesive unit, despite spending over two weeks in intensive training in Marbella, Spain, where they played friendlies against notable opponents like Al-Ittihad.

In his admission, Wadee seemed to send an indirect signal to the management about the need to reduce their bloated squad to a manageable size after signing more than eight new players, including Sibangani Zulu, Neo Rapa, Mtheteleni Mthiyane, Sebastian Pardesena, and Bolale Ngwato.

If they cannot reduce the squad, the Moroccan emphasized that they would require at least two training bases—a precarious situation that would overload the coaching staff.

Wadee is right. Although he may require greater squad depth than last season, he still needs a core, proven group. Defending the league title remains his priority, but performing successfully in all tournaments, including the CAF Champions League, is equally important.

Continental performance distinguishes professionals from amateurs. After Pirates were eliminated in the qualifiers last season, early critics called for Wadee's dismissal. Nevertheless, the coach responded confidently, silencing skeptics with an MTN8 victory.

This success, achieved in four matches, seemed an easy feat. He will likely want to ensure a strong start to the current season by aiming to beat Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at their home ground, Orlando Amstel Arena.

However, the character of his team will be tested as the tournament progresses, given the high expectations and overall ambitions.

The time has come for MTN8 2026/27, and The Brazilians are ready for another battle for trophies. The Mamelodi Sundowns team faced dark clouds following the tragic death of Jayden Adams after his return from the successful North American World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Nevertheless, after a period of intensive training in Austria, coach Miguel Cardoso stated that this camp boosted the team's morale, allowing them to gather and focus on the upcoming season.

Unlike Pirates, they have not yet found their rhythm in national football, as their first league match against Marumo Gallants was postponed by the PSL following Adams' death.

Starting the MTN8 campaign against Polokwane City on Saturday evening, The Brazilians will bring an element of surprise to their squad. Furthermore, they maintain continuity, relying on the momentum of the previous season. They signed only two players, Siyandu Ndlovu and Antonio Van Wyk, while notably releasing Peter Shalulile—unlike Pirates, who parted ways with more than 10 players, including PSL season player Relebokhile Mofokeng.

For Sundowns, the national season is about returning, not consolidating positions, which simplifies their focus. They lost their eight-year league championship dominance to Pirates after finishing second.