Kaizer Chiefs centre back Inacio Miguel has explained why he believes his side can go toe to toe with Mamelodi Sundowns as the two SA football giants are set to battle for the third time this season.
Sundowns will host Chiefs in a sold-out encounter in the Betway Premiership at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday aftternoon with kickoff set for 15:30.
In the first round, Sundowns edged a spirited Amakhosi team 2-1 at FNB Stadiium in September 2024. But in the Carling Knockout Cup, the Tshwane giants displayed their class and quality, hammering Chiefs 4-1 in the quaterfinals last year November.
However, Miguel is positive that they can match Sundowns as their previous league game was close with Chiefs scoring first via a Ranga Chivaviro goal. But Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners netted to win the game for Sundowns. All three goals came in the first half with the seven-time reigning SA champions aborbing a lot o pressure from Chiefs
“It is a big challenge this weekend,” said Miguel on Tuesday during a Chiefs andToyota media event. “We showed something great already [against Sundowns’ at FNB Stadium [in September]. We lost in the details.
“I don’t want to talk about the second game [in November]. But in the first game we showed we can do something [against Sundowns].”
The Amakhosi star says it will be important for his team to fully focus for 90 minutes as Sundowns are a dangerous side.
“We have to respect them but do what we are capable of doing. There are small details, not only for losing but also for winning,” added Miguel.
“Sundowns have players that can make a difference. Sometimes in 90 minute games you make mistakes but our message is that our boys must keep focused for 90 minutes against a team like Sundowns.”