Crucial game for Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic admits he does not like the style of play employed by Free State Stars ahead of their Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, kick-off at 8:15pm (SA, CAT, GMT+2).
Irrespective of the how the Ea Lla Koto plays, though, Chiefs will have to adapt and ensure they pick up maximum points if they want to stay in the title hunt.
Presently, the Amakhosi are in four spot on the table, tie on points with Stars, one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns and four behind league leaders SuperSport United.
But Vermezovic is well aware they need to adjust their tactics to deal with the difficulties of the Ea Lla Koto, especially if they want to lift the league trophy at the end of the season.
“Free State will be difficult for us because they play the kind of football we don’t like – you know, sitting back and playing with the long balls with the strong challenges. But we have to adapt our game to that and it will be a crucial game.
“We don’t need special motivation when we play big games, but against smaller teams we need to pay special attention. But the greatest motivation for our players is to win the league. That is our main goal,” said the Amakhosi coach.
Chiefs last league outing was a 1-0 win over Sundowns and Vermezovic admits it was an important win but there is still a long way to go in the league.
“There is a long way to go before the last game of the season. We have not even reached a halfway stage this season. The win against Sundowns was important taking into consideration that they are also challenging for the title,” concludes the Serbian.
Chiefs will certainly face a tough test in the Ea Lla Koto who are third on the log after 13 league games and according to Paulus Masehe they don’t plan on letting up any time soon.
Masehe, though, credits his teams form to their team spirit and their coach Steve Komphela who he feels has made all the difference.
“The team is working together and there isn't any individuality among the players. Our coach also plays a big role, he has been with us now for the second season and we understand what he wants from us,” said the Stars man.
Up against Chiefs he is expecting another tough match, but insists his side are confident going in and the most important thing is to remain consistent.
“Chiefs will obviously want to beat us but we are not planning on going down without a fight. We must stay consistent and we believe we can get something from this game,” said Masehe.