Mike Makaab on why Kaizer Chiefs fall short against lower division sides
Written by Ayanda Nyuswa on 26 February, 2024
By Samkelo “Sports Mjita” Gambushe
Football agent Mike Makaab has weighed in on the possible reasons why Kaizer Chiefs falls short against lower division teams in the Nedbank Cup.
Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Milford FC, knocked out Kaizer Chiefs in the Round 32 of the Nedbank Cup at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 25 February 2024.
The KwaZulu-Natal based outfit won the encounter by 4-5 in penalties, after the contest ended goalless following two hours of football.
This isn’t the first time the Glamour Boys have been dumped out by lower division teams in the Ke Yona Yaka competition. Amakhosi have been eliminated on six occasions, most notably by TS Galaxy in the 2019 final when the Rockets became the first team from the lower division to win the Nedbank Cup.
“It’s so difficult to accurately say why this is happening, the only thing I can tell you is that in cup football there will always be upsets.” – Mike Makaab on Extra-Time on Gagasi FM with Ayanda Nyuswa.
“However, you cannot have 19 odd shots on and off target and not score a goal against, and I say this with utmost respect, a team like Milford FC. We all know that Siphamandla Hleza [goalkeeper] was outstanding. But having said all of that, this is not what you would expect from a team like Kaizer Chiefs.“ adds Makaab.
“Although they [Kaizer Chiefs] created chances, there was almost a desperation in the way they played. There wasn’t a calm, composed control of the game. It was a game that I thought at times they should have slowed the tempo down, they should have probed, and then they should have changed the pace of the game. I don’t think they quite did that.”
The PSL have confirmed the Nedbank Cup round of 16 draw following the conclusion of the Round of 32 fixtures on Sunday night. The draw was conducted on Monday, 26 February 2024.
Nedbank Cup last 16 draw
Milford FC v Stellenbosch FC
Mamelodi Sundowns v Maritzburg United
Sekhukhune United v AmaZulu
Chippa United v FC Ravens
Orlando Pirates v Hungry Lions
University of Pretoria v Moroka Swallows
Richards Bay FC v SuperSport United
D’General v TS Galaxy
