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07 February 2020
Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker admits that Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash with GladAfrica Championship side Royal Eagles is just "about getting into the next round” after a number of shock results in the competition in the last few seasons. There was perhaps no bigger surprise than when Chiefs were beaten 1-0 by second-tier TS Galaxy in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final in Durban, one of five losses for the side against lower division teams since 2008. But Parker, who scored the winner for the AmaKhosi against SuperSport United in the 2013 decider, says the players have moved on from that disappointment and they are now focused solely on this year's campaign.
At the same time, they remain wary of the dangers that highly-motivated opposing teams face, even one like Royal Eagles, who are languishing at the foot of their division. "The Nedbank Cup is unique it throws up many surprises and we have been surprised in the past," Parker admitted. “Looking back at the 2013 tournament and scoring the winning goal, I will say paying attention to detail in every game is important. "We have the material to do well and our technical staff is taking care of all the details to ensure that we make it a memorable tournament this season."
Parker admits the Nedbank Cup always has a special feel as the only domestic competition that provides Chiefs with the opportunity to play teams from outside the Premier League. "I am looking forward to the game this weekend. It’s all about getting into the next round. Since I have been here, the Nedbank Cup has been good to us. "We know it's not going to be easy for us because of how we have been performing recently, everybody will want to perform well against us. It is up to us to stay mentally and physically sharp through the rest of the season." Chiefs will host Royal Eagles in Soweto on Saturday evening (kick-off 18h00). Tickets for the Nedbank Cup Last 32 are on sale at TicketPro outlets and selected SASOL garages countrywide. Prices will start at R40 for adults, and R15 for children under the age of 12. Supporters can also purchase tickets online at www.ticketpros.co.za.
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.