The first leg of the MTN 8 semifinal kicks off this weekend and it’s expected to be nothing but entertaining as Ajax host defending champions Kaizer Chiefs. A lot has been said about Muhsin factor and how this could win the game for Ajax. Well is that all they need? Here are my thoughts.
Ajax Cape Town vs. Kaizer Chiefs
Popularly known as ‘Cup Kings’ Kaizer Chiefs have a mountain to climb as they travel to the Mother City to meet the Urban Warriors at Newlands Stadium. On paper Chiefs should be able to advance to the final of this competition with ease given their experience and cup pedigree. But Ajax Cape Town pose a real threat not only because of their home advantage, but in that the man on their bench knows all of Chiefs’ weaknesses, Muhsin Ertugral who spent the last two seasons at Chiefs and won the competition last year knows all about what makes and doesn’t make the Naturena based team tick and this I believe must have made his planning much easier.
With that said, one must not be eluded to the idea that Ajax will have it easy on the day, Chiefs have made quite a number of signings, players Muhsin knows nothing about, I’m talking about the likes of Knowledge Musona, the immensely talented Mthokozisi Yende and Nkosinathi Nhleko. This should make the situation a bit trickier for the Ajax coach. The new Chiefs coach has proven how well he knows how to get the best out of his players, look at how Josta “JD” Dladla’s game has improved since Vermezovic’s arrival and others such as David Mathebula and Mandla Masango.
Verdict:
Kaizer Chiefs have experience, Ajax have an arsenal of young and talented players. Unfortunately inexperience can sometimes work against you on such big occasions, playing against Chiefs in a packed stadium can be very intimidating. If Ajax fails to beat Chiefs within regulation time, then they will definitely lose on penalties.
Prediction:
Ajax 1 – 0 Kaizer Chiefs (In regulation time)
Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 15 August 2009
Kickoff: 20:15
TV: 19:45 – 22:45 (SuperSport 4)
August 14th, 2009 at 10:29 am
No Chance! MaKhosi 4 Life!!!!!
August 14th, 2009 at 10:33 am
@grey,
Who can win it for Chiefs?
August 14th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I think Ajax will take this one Calvin. Home ground advantage will be key and even if it does go to penalties I’m not so sure of a Chiefs win.
My prediction is 2-1 to the Urban Warriors!
August 15th, 2009 at 10:38 am
makhosi a do wina. Ajax 0-chiefs 3
August 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
@Gilly I hope you are right, and honestly I hope I’m wrong on my preview
August 15th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Here’s hoping Ajax pulls it off. Those youngsters are quick.
August 16th, 2009 at 2:53 am
I actually watch quite a bit of it, the penalty was a little sketchy, thought chiefs fans were going to go mental. My folks live down the road from the stadium, the noise was incredible!
August 18th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Good day,
I did watch the game. It was a clear penalty its only that the refree took some minutes to award it to ajax . you know what every human being is bound to human error. and the ckiefs behaviour was a disaster. it is destroying the image of SA FOOTBALL. We love the sa football and mind you the world is watching andwe do we teach our kids with this kind of behaviour. lastly in soccer one must win thats it.
Lets grow guys and have good attitudes
August 18th, 2009 at 11:38 am
lastly i forgot to include my name. im kganetso modise (female)from gaborone botswana
August 18th, 2009 at 11:49 am
@Kganetso,
A very warm welcome friend, glad to know we have female footy lovers, yah the behaviour of the Chiefs fans is inexcusable and should never ever happen…
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
this will never change and is the south african football history .we are the cup specialist
January 19th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
makhosi a do wina. Ajax 0-chiefs 3