Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic put on a brave face when Amakhosi were drawn away against Mamelodi Sundowns in the pick of the Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal draw made on Monday.
Chiefs struggled to get past Santos in the last round on Sunday, needing a penalty shootout to defeat the People’s Team 4-2 after neither side managed to score in 120 minutes at Newlands.
But said the Serbian born Vermezovic: “I was happy getting into the quarterfinals and even better was the fact a number of my younger players were able to play the whole match gaining valuable experience.”
Vermezovic stressed his two experienced players, midfield dynamo Tinashe Nengomasha and defender Valery Nahayo, who missed the Santos match due to suspension, would not automatically walk into the starting X1 against Sundowns.
“Both players are available and will come into the squad of 18, but maybe not the starting X1.
“I was pleased with the commitment against Santos and do not see the need to make changes.”
Downs, who beat Free State Stars 4-3 in a seven goal thriller in QwaQwa also on Sunday, are happy with the tough draw, according to new assistant coach Alex Bapela.
The former Downs star said he was not worried by the fact that eight players are on duty with Bafana Bafana in Brazil preparing for June’s Soccer Word Cup.
“We are only concerned with the players we have available, not those in Brazil. The players we have did the job against Stars and we have confidence in them to beat Chiefs.
“Players always rise to the occasion when they play Chiefs, so this is a good draw for us.”
Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol, was not happy when his Buccaneers were drawn away against already relegated Jomo Cosmos.
Said Krol: “I would have preferred just about any other side than Cosmos.
“They are a team who have nothing to lose having been already relegated. We saw that spirit when they defeated Wits 2-0 at Milpark in the last round.
“It is going to be a tough game for us.”
Krol admitted that after a disappointing season in the league, he was determined to do well in the competition.
“We are at home and can upset Pirates like we did Wits. We are relaxed and keen to get to the final,” said Cosmos manager Andrew Rabutla.
Holders Ajax Cape Town will play MTN8 champions Golden Arrows at home. It was Arrows who hammered Ajax 6-0 in the MTN8 final last year and the Urban Warriors will be determined to set the record straight.
SuperSport United, who won the Premiership for the third successive season, also have revenge on their mind when they play AmaZulu at home.
Said United coach Gavin Hunt; “Every game at this stage is hard, but home ground is a big plus for us.
“We were beaten 3-0 in our last league game by AmaZulu and a few players will be looking to avenge that defeat.”
Usuthu coach Neil Tovey said he was happy with the draw. “We have won our last four matches and owe it to our fans to win a trophy for the first time in 17 long years.” — Sapa