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.
“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.