Pule Mmodi is one of the players Kaizer Chiefs will look up to for inspiration in the Nedbank Cup against Chippa United. BackpagePix
The 2025 Nedbank Cup competition will be Kaizer Chiefs' last realistic opportunity for silverware this season.
Millions of Amakhosi supporters will keep an eye on Saturday evening's Nedbank Cup match against Chippa United at FNB Stadium because they'll treat the last-16 round clash like a cup final.
A defeat for Chiefs will blow the club's hopes of ending the nine-year trophy drought and a victory will keep the dream alive in the quarter-final phase.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is aware of the desperation of AmaKhosi fans who are eager to see the silverware-drought stopped from becoming a full 10 years.
Currently, Nabi's primary focus is rebuilding the club rather than targeting the Nedbank Cup trophy.
However, he is mindful of the importance of winning matches so that he does not incur the wrath of the fans.
“The fans don’t want to hear about the project or process. They want results. They have been hearing about rebuilding and projects. From my part we don’t need to react with emotions,” said Nabi.
“We are responsible for millions of people and that’s why there’s no sleep when there’s a bad result for Chiefs.
“Without a project, you cannot guarantee success. This does not mean we don’t play to get results. In every game, we need to do everything to win, even when you’re building the team."
His plans for the match will be hamstrung by the unavailability of six players. Those are captain Yusuf Maart (suspended), Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Dillon Solomons, Edmilson Dove, Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez (all injured).
This situation could force Nabi to build his game plan around the three players that Chiefs signed during the January transfer window.
They are Thabo Cele who offers much-needed experience to the midfield, winger Glody Lilepo who signed from French third-tier outfit Valenciennes and lanky striker Tashreeq Morris, formerly of SuperSport United.
The trio has fitted well in the team and Nabi believes the club has genuinely improved in recent matches, despite their inconsistent form.
“We believe the players are starting to get confidence, in themselves, in the message conveyed by the technical staff and being confident in dealing with pressure that comes with being at a big club,” said Nabi.
Outside of the newcomers, Nabi could rely on Sirino, an experienced campaigner in the PSL. At the age of 33, the Uruguayan is still regarded as one of the leading playmakers in the PSL and could play a vital part in Chiefs pursuit of victory.
Chippa coach Thabo September said the newcomers in the Chiefs squad have strengthened the team.
“Chiefs are looking good after the window closed," said September.
"Their new signings have brought a lot of intensity into their game. They bring high press, and strong press into their game with Morris, Lilepo, (Pule) Mmodi and Gaston (Sirino) all proving to be effective.
“With Cele, they look good in midfield and they are keeping the same back four that played us in December.
“It's a cup game and it's a once-off match, so you need to approach it with the right mentality to make sure that you play well.
“Give your all in that 90 minutes and make sure we capitalise on the opportunities that we create.
“We also have to be stubborn and selfish in terms of conceding goals, so we have a good plan on what we need to do. Playing against a big team like Chiefs is a great opportunity for these players to showcase their talent."
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