By Michael Madyira
Premier Soccer League action returns this week following the Fifa international break, which saw Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Kaizer Chiefs are back to host Stellenbosch FC on Saturday following 14 days without competitive football.
Before the Fifa pause, Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane had expressed concern that it would disturb their rhythm, but he is now singing a different tune.
“It gave us a little bit of a break in terms of the pressure of playing week in, week out and getting results,” Zwane told the media.
Amakhosi went for the recess against the backdrop of four straight victories across all competitions.
Managing to stitch together four successive wins was a feat they achieved for the first time since October/November 2019.
Zwane feared the international period would affect their momentum when they returned.
But those worries are now at the back of his mind — despite staring at a Stellenbosch side that could upset them.
As he believes the Fifa break allowed them to refresh themselves, the Amakhosi coach just wants his men to pick up from where they left off.
“We know they [Stellies] are coming down to fight for results and we also want to keep our momentum going,” said Zwane.
“It’s key for us to be up there and challenge for the second spot. As I have said in the past, we will take it one game at a time.”
Amakhosi are involved in a brutal challenge for position two against SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City.
Zwane praised his charges for staying within reach of second-placed SuperSport who have two points more than they do.
“I must commend the players. They fought tooth and nail under the circumstances and it was never easy for them,” he said.
Chiefs’ opponents, Stellenbosch, have recorded four wins and a draw in their last five league outings, including stopping Mamelodi Sundowns’ winning streak.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
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