Following the Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw that was conducted last Thursday, Kaizer Chiefs will be one of the teams eyeing success in the competition to avoid entering a 10th year without winning a major trophy.
Amakhosi, who have won the competition a record 13 times in their history, haven't been successful in any of the tournaments in recent years, having gone nine years without any silverware.
The Soweto giants are aiming to change that and have been drawn against third tier outfit Milford FC to get this year's competition underway.
Former Chiefs star, Junior Khanye, has warned against complacency and is wary of the threat from defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and other top sides in the PSL.
The Good
"It is a good draw for Chiefs because they will be playing their first game against a team from the ABC Motsepe League and you should expect them to get a good start. But the thing about teams from the lower leagues is that they become highly motivated when they come up against big clubs from the top division. Therefore, it's not going to be an easy game, especially with Chiefs under so much pressure to bring the trophy home. The club is going for a tenth year without winning any major trophy and that is a cause for concern. There is a chance for the team to do better than previously because they have one of the best coaches in the country in charge of the team. Cavin Johnson will do his best to improve the situation but he can't do it all alone. You must remember that other teams also want to win the trophy and Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC won't make it easy for Chiefs or any team to just take the trophy. Yes, Chiefs can win the first game but it will get tougher going forward in the competition," said Khanye.
The Bad
"Cavin Johnson has tried his best to get the team to play together and better in the games that he has been in charge of so far but he hasn't had enough quality players to achieve the objectives. The coach is trying and there has been improvement despite him having not had a pre-season with the team. This is a coach who didn't get to sign his own players and is working with the material that he found at the club and that's why I feel he should be given credit for improving the team's results," he said.
The Ugly
"Going forward, I think it's going to be tough for the coach and the team if he doesn't get to sign his own players to add to the squad. Cavin should be allowed to sign at least six to eight players to revitalize the squad. Those should be quality players to contribute to the team's progress and not just ordinary players," concluded Khanye.
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