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Kaizer Chiefs turn their focus to the Top 8 aspirations after Nedbank Cup triumph

Edmilson Dove his Kaizer Chiefs' teammates must regroup after their Nedbank Cup celebrations so as to reach their Top 8 objective in the Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove says the team must suspend their Nedbank Cup celebrations to fully focus on securing a Top 8 finish. Chiefs revived their 'Cup Kings' reputation last weekend by winning the Nedbank Cup, defeating Orlando Pirates in the final to end a 10-year trophy drought. The victory sent the club into celebration mode, with festivities including presenting the trophy to chairman Kaizer Motaung. Amid the jubilation, Chiefs have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for their crucial Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Saturday (3pm). We had to bring it home. Today, we celebrated with the Chairman, Dr. Motaung. Our Senior and Reserve Teams handed him medals and the trophies. Dedicated to you Dr. Motaung, and to our very special army of supporters, the millions of Amakhosi Faithful, who love and serve this… — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 14, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Chiefs will visit Sekhukhune in their penultimate league fixture, needing all three points to keep their Top 8 hopes alive. Amakhosi currently sit ninth on the table with 30 points, level with eighth-placed Chippa United, who have played one game more. 'We know the importance of Saturday's game. We have put the celebrations aside. We are reshuffling our focus to the league,' Dove told the club's media team. 'We have been preparing well, and the mood has been right. The energy has been positive. Hopefully, we can go into this game with a clear idea of what needs to be done. 'The coaches have been doing their best to keep the gents in check during our training sessions and making sure that we have all the tools for Saturday.' Chiefs must secure a Top 8 finish, not only to qualify for next season's MTN8 and redeem last season's shortcomings, but potentially to safeguard coach Nasreddine Nabi's job. Despite winning the Nedbank Cup, reports suggest Nabi may be released at the end of the season due to inconsistency in league performance. 'It has been a bit of a difficult season, so that's our main goal now — to make sure we finish in the Top 8,' Dove added. 'We are working hard to make sure we achieve that. It won't be easy, as there are no easy games, but we are ready to fight for it.' Sekhukhune will be formidable opponents, as they also desperately need points to secure third place and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. Babina Noko currently occupy the spot, one point ahead of Stellenbosch, who host SuperSport United at Danie Craven Stadium in a simultaneous kick-off. We're buzzing with pride! A huge congrats to the Betway Premiership Coach for April - our very own Eric Tinkler. Let's continue to rally behind our mentor and his charges. 🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe #BetwayPremierLeague — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) May 14, 2025 Sekhukhune have been in impressive form under coach Eric Tinkler, who has rejuvenated the side since taking over. Tinkler and striker Keletso Makgalwa were recognised in the DStv Premiership monthly awards for April, winning Coach and Player of the Month respectively. Chiefs' attacker Makabi Lilepo won the Goal of the Month award. 'There are no easy games in this league. We know the threat they can pose, but the most important thing is to focus on ourselves and fix any wrongs,' said Dove on facing Sekhukhune. 'We have to make sure that we are ready on Saturday to go toe-to-toe with Sekhukhune. We need the points, and I am 100% sure the gents understand what's at stake.'