Mako reveals Kaizer Chiefs’ strategy to end 16-year Carling Knockout drought 

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Mako reveals Kaizer Chiefs’ strategy to end 16-year Carling Knockout drought 
Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako believes Carling Knockout glory is within reach despite their challenging start to the season.

Chiefs are preparing to face Siwelele FC in the quarter-final on Sunday as they look to bounce back from their Soweto Derby defeat, having lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates last Saturday.

Paseka Mako playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Siwelele FC.
Paseka Mako playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Siwelele FC. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

The Glamour Boys were losing their first league game but have drawn five and won three to leave them 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi and 11 adrift of Pirates.

Further, they are out of the CAF Confederation Cup, having also been knocked out of the MTN8 at the first time of asking, making the Carling Knockout even more important.

Chiefs defender issues rallying call to Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako in action against Rangers.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako in action against Rangers. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“I am getting to the physical level I want to be at. Game by game I feel stronger,” Mako, who recently returned from an injury, told the club’s website.

“We are a unified group. Everyone is doing their best, and we are all working tirelessly towards achieving the same goal. It has just been unfortunate that we haven’t got the results we feel our performances deserve, but if we keep up our efforts, they will come. Consistency is key, and we want good performances every game,” added the former Pirates star, explaining the best way to get out of their slump.

Wandile Duba celebrates one of his three goals in the Carling Knockout against TS Galaxy.
Wandile Duba celebrates one of his three goals in the Carling Knockout against TS Galaxy. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

With Siwelele coming up next on Sunday, the left-back feels it is an opportunity to show to their fans that they can win the Carling Knockout trophy, which they last claimed in 2022.

Mako outlines Carling Knockout ambitions

“We aim to win this trophy, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, and all that is on our minds is to get through this quarter-final,” said Mako.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako in action against Rangers.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako in action against Rangers. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“They are difficult opponents, and we are aware of some of their strengths, but our primary focus is always on our own strategy of how to impose ourselves on them and win the match. We need to concentrate the whole time on executing what the coaches have told us.”

Mako played 90 minutes in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 when Wandile Duba’s hat-trick handed Chiefs a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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