Acornbush mean business

Johannesburg - Any team that scores 85 goals in 29 matches should not be taken lightly.

In fact, any side that has a 12-point lead over their closest rival poses a danger to anyone who stands in their way.

Kaizer Chiefs would do well to read Acornbush United’s statistics before their Nedbank Cup encounter on Sunday afternoon.

Not many knew about Acornbush until they knocked out Absa Premiership log leaders Cape Town City from the Nedbank Cup last month.

Silence critics

According to coach MacDonald Makhubedu, many people will get to know them well on Sunday afternoon.

The confident Makhubedu said they wanted to prove that their victory over City was not a fluke.

He warned Chiefs to expect a tough outing against his determined side.

“We want to prove that we are a good team and we want to silence critics who have been saying that we have been favoured by match officials,” he said.

He added that the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League champions would use their biggest game so far to prepare for the national play-offs, which will determine which two clubs will be promoted to the National First Division.

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela said they would give United the respect they deserved. He said cup games were unpredictable and they would not underestimate the second division side.

“They will be motivated to play [well] against us, and we have to be careful because they have nothing to prove,” said Komphela.

Makhubedu said he knew that few people believed they had a chance against Amakhosi, but being underdogs suited them better.

“We have been waiting for this game since the draw was made. Our players cannot wait to showcase their skill.”

History books

He said he would give fringe players a chance to shine as their primary goal was to do well in the play-offs.

Acornbush had everything going for them in their league campaign this season.

They lost only twice in 29 games – scoring 85 goals in the process – with a goal difference of +64.

But that will be forgotten when they take on Chiefs, who are hungry for silverware after going last season without a trophy.

In fact, this could be Chiefs’ only hope for a title this season because the league title is not yet guaranteed.

Expect the 8 000-seat Kabokweni Stadium in Mpumalanga to be filled to capacity as Acornbush aim for the history books.