Publications
Partners
The first leg ended in a cautious 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium last weekend with both sides now expected to go all out to book a place in the final of the R8 million prized cup set for September 10 with the venue still to be determined.
Ajax's Zimbabwean winger Khama Billiat seems to have taken the baton from Thualni Serero in terms of carrying his side's hopes for this season, and might prove to be a menace for Chiefs newcomer Keegan Ritchie on the left side of defence.
“These sort of games are never easy, especially for us as keepers,” said Khune.
“We do know what Ajax are capable of on the field of play and will be attacking us on the wings. We will be out to manage them and hopefully contain them for 90 minutes.”
Both sides are coming off league wins with Chiefs beating Bidvest Wits 2-1 and Ajax defeating Santos 1-0 on Wednesday, respectively.
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic is happy that his side has won all three of their Premiership fixtures, adding that the game could go either way since neither of the two teams scored in the first leg.
“It's nice to stay at the top with wins, so we will be going to the Cape full of confidence for the game,” Vermezovic said.
“The 0-0 score from the first game is a dangerous result for both teams, but I'm sure that we will make something out of it.”
The second semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Loftus on Sunday afternoon, will have much expected of it after the first leg was arguably the best match of the new season where Pirates triumphed 3-2.
Though, Pirates are coming off a 2-1 midweek loss to Maritzburg United and will also be without striker Benni McCarthy who received a red card in the match and will be suspended for the side's next two matches.
“Wednesday was a good game, again exciting with goals we played well and we have to refocus on the knock-out competition,” said coach Julio Leal.
“We're playing against a big club with big squad we know that a draw result will be in our favour, but like always, my team plays to win and qualifying for the final.”
Sundowns are on a high after trouncing Moroka Swallows 4-0 with a brace from Katlego Mphela, Teko Modise and new Bafana Bafana member, Musa Nyatama.
“One thing we are 100 percent certain about is that we have to beat our opponents with at least one goal difference,” Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens said.
“If you win like that then you are happy and will carry plenty of confidence, since we're playing at home, hopefully it will be entertaining again with the result favouring us.”
