/ 18 September 2012

Chiefs look for momentum, Leopards for fresh start

Bernard Parker of Chiefs swamped by teammates after his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards.
Bernard Parker of Chiefs swamped by teammates after his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards.

The game was called off in the 34th minute because of a hailstorm at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, with Amakhosi holding a 2-0 lead. It will be replayed from scratch.

"We go to the game against Black Leopards knowing that there are no easy games, but our approach for the game will not change," Chiefs' defender Lincoln Zvasiya wrote on the club's website on Tuesday.

"We play to win and I am sure I speak for all my team-mates that we will do our best once more to win the game."

The Zimbabwean international, who partnered Tefu Mashamaite in the heart of the Chiefs defence at the weekend, hoped to get another chance to prove himself against Leopards.

"It was nice to get an opportunity to play after a while," Zvasiya said.

Stiff competition
"Competition for places has been stiff, but the most important thing is that when you are given a chance, you have to use it.

"It is unfortunate that the game was called off in the first half."

Bernard Parker and Kingston Nkatha put the hosts ahead on Saturday before the players were sent off 11 minutes ahead of the break.

Although Chiefs were eager to build on their halted momentum, Leopards' assistant coach Abel Makhubela said they would use the opportunity to start afresh.

"We will make sure to prepare a different and better side, as we will have some time to adapt to the environment with the few days before Wednesday," Makhubela said on the Leopards' website.

Learning from mistakes
"Overall, I think we should be prepared by match day."

Makhubela hoped the visitors would learn from the mistakes they had made at the weekend.

"We conceded through a well-taken free-kick and the second [goal] was a minor mistake at the back, as we did not clear in time," he said.

"So, we just need to focus more and make sure that we play our football."

Chiefs, unbeaten after three rounds of matches, will move back to the top of the Premiership table if they secure three points.

Leopards, ninth in the standings, will search for their second victory of the season in an effort to join the early front runners. – Sapa