Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has expressed his confidence in the squad ahead of their clash with second-tier side Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup. Sheppard believes the team is in the right frame of mind and have the necessary momentum to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The Glamour Boys have had mixed fortunes in the past when it comes to lower league opposition in the Nedbank Cup, with the last upset coming from Richards Bay two years ago. However, Sheppard believes the current squad is a totally different one and they are focused on the task at hand.
Img – Dillon Sheppard
“It’s a quarter-final berth to play for, preparations have gone really well, two games now, two clean-sheets, gaining a little momentum, a trophy to play for, a very important trophy to play for,” Sheppard said in a press conference.
“Very important to approach the game with the right mindset, with the right mentality, that’s first, because when you’re going into the game, it’s not about divisions, it’s a quarter-final berth that is waiting for us,” he added.
The Glamour Boys have been on a good run of form recently, having secured back-to-back wins over Orlando Pirates and the Natal Rich Boyz in the league. Sheppard believes the team is ready to live up to expectations and progress to the quarter-finals.
“So we have to do what is required to win a football match and I think we’re in the right space, the right frame of mind to make sure that we will go through to the quarter-finals and that’s the most important thing,” he concluded.
Casric Stars are currently third in the Motsepe Foundation Championship table, just three points behind table-toppers Polokwane City.