Snl24 | Da Gama: It’s a must win for Chiefs

PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 18: Half Time during the DStv Premiership match between Royal AM and Kaizer Chiefs at Harry Gwala Stadium on February 18, 2024 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Owen Da Gama says Kaizer Chiefs must not underestimate Motsepe Foundation Championship club Milford FC on Sunday.

Da Gama says losing to the KwaZulu Natal club will only invite unnecessary pressure to the Glamour Boys.

The Naturena-based club has not tasted a cup final victory for more than eight years.

READ | Milford star: Our advantage against Chiefs

Da Gama says Chiefs know very well what is at stake at FNB Stadium on Sunday in this Nedbank Cup last 32 feature, and therefore will push for a victory.

“Kaizer Chiefs have got the caliber to beat Milford, I believe so,” Da Gama tells KickOff.

“I think the coach is good enough to beat Milford, but that’s on paper.

“If they don’t undermine Milford and instead approach the game like they would do to a PSL team, I believe Chiefs could win this one.

“They should go there and play their normal game, there are a lot of influences that can influence the performance of the players.

“I was very disappointed with their performance against Royal AM because this is the worst Royal AM I’ve seen since they started.

“This is one of the weakest Royal AM teams that I’ve seen in a long time.

“But I’m very hopeful that the Chiefs players can pick up their socks, push hard, and get over.

“It takes one win and then it changes the mood in the camp, this could be the game Chiefs need to turn the corner and get the confidence up again.

“A very good victory against Milford will certainly help the confidence and the atmosphere within the Kaizer Chiefs camp.

“Chiefs are a big team, therefore we must expect big things from them. We can’t keep making excuses, this is a big team.

“And I believe this is a must-win, there is no doubt about it. It must be a convincing win because Milford are struggling in the NFD and they are down there on the log.”