Kaizer Chiefs coach admits pressure to retain Nedbank Cup | OneFootball

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Chiefs boss on pressure to defend Nedbank title

Photo: Cedric Kaze

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has openly acknowledged the weight of expectation to hold onto the Nedbank Cup title.

The Glamour Boys clinched the coveted trophy last season, overcoming fierce rivals Orlando Pirates and halting a decade-long trophy drought under the stewardship of Nasreddine Nabi, who has since departed the club.

Chiefs will get their title defence underway with a showdown against Stellenbosch FC at DHL Stadium on Wednesday, and Kaze admits the team now has a target on their backs as they aim to keep their hands on the silverware.

“There’s always pressure, regardless of being champions—that alone brings its own pressure. At a club like Kaizer Chiefs, the pressure is ever-present; it comes with the badge, and we accept that challenge. We know it’s there and we’ll handle it,” he said.

"It’s a new season, a new tournament. Yes, we’re the defending champions, but we have to put that aside and get down to work from scratch, because being holders doesn’t make things easier—if anything, it makes the challenge even tougher.

"Everyone wants to take down the defending champions, but we understand what’s at stake. The expectations are sky-high and we’re up against a quality Stellenbosch side—new coach as well, but he’s got years of experience in this league, with significant achievements behind him.

Stellies knocked Chiefs out of the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this season, adding fuel to the growing rivalry between the sides. Still, the Burundian tactician insists the upcoming clash isn’t about revenge.

“It’s true that Stellenbosch eliminated us from the Carling Knockout Cup, but that’s the beauty of knockout football. If you look at that game, we were the better side on the pitch and dominated throughout,” Kaze added.

"We had plenty of chances to score but, unfortunately, lost on penalties. That’s the nature of the game—even if you don’t have much of the ball, you can walk away with the prize. But there’s no revenge in football; it’s just another match we need to prepare for properly and aim to deliver a top performance.