Kaizer Chiefs will use the MTN 8 cup final against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns to turn the corner after a disastrous start to the new season.

That was the promise from Amakhosi star midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala as Chiefs look to redeem themselves after three successive defeats.

"We are up for this challenge. We have a tradition to uphold at Chiefs when it comes to playing in and winning big knockout trophies. We have done a lot of soul searching as to what went wrong over the past three games and will bounce back. Never write off Chiefs in a cup final," said Tshabalala.

Although Downs were the firm favourites looking at the incredible depth Brazilians coach Trott Moloto has at his disposal, Chiefs are not afraid of the big-spending Downs.

Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral has one trump card in his favour in the form of ace striker Jose Torrealba. The Venezuelan striker left Sundowns under a cloud last season and joined Chiefs in the pre-season where he made an immediate impact.

But he was sent off in the MTN 8 semi-final, second leg 1-0 loss by Moroka Swallows and missed two league defeats by Thanda Royal Zulu 2-1 at home and the 3-2 defeat in the "battle of Chatsworth" last Sunday.

Said Ertugral: "The fact that Trott's biggest headache is who to sit on his bench tells the story. He has so many players to choose from that it's amazing. But we are going out there to recover our form and pride. Winning this cup would be the best tonic for the players and the club to turn around our recent slump."

But Moloto argues that Chiefs cup pedigree makes them and now Downs the favourites. Chiefs have won more cups than any other local side in SA soccer history.

Downs have offered their players the entire R8 million winner-takes-all prize while Chiefs are mum about how the largest prize in local soccer will be divided should Amakhosi win.

Said Tshabalala: "We are not thinking about the cash, this is about getting Chiefs' season back on track and regaining our pride. We also owe it to our loyal fans to win this trophy."

Torrealba has been Chiefs' missing link. But Chiefs' players admitted this week that it was their fault that so many chances in front of goal have been missed in the past two league matches.

Torrealba will be determined to shine against his former club and teammates. But he can expect some stick from the likes of no-nonsense defenders Mbulelo "OJ" Mabizela and Siboniso Gaxa. Derrick Spencer is set to replace suspended Robyn Johannes alongside Mabizela at the heart of the defence. Spencer, if Moloto gives him the nod, will be keen to do well against his former employers and shut down their main threat -Torrealba.

Said Moloto: "It was unfortunate for Johannes, who I rate as a huge prospect for Bafana Bafana, that our league game against AmaZulu was postponed last weekend. That would have been his second match of his suspension and, if the game went ahead, he would have been available for the final. But Johannes' misery opens the door for someone like Spencer."

The Downs-AmaZulu clash was postponed due to the shock death of Usuthu striker Siyabonga Mkhwanazi two days before the game.

While Chiefs are pinning their hopes on Torrealba to get their goals, Moloto has to make a couple of hard choices. He is set to select veteran Sibusiso Zuma to lead the attack with Surprise Moriri playing in a second strikers' role behind Zuma.

Apart from Moriri, Moloto has Lerato Chabangu, Shakes Ngwenya, Mozambican ace Dario Monteiro standing by.

Zuma, Mabizela and pocket dynamo Benedict Vilakazi, who will play a pivotal role in midfield, are all former Orlando Pirates' stars and the trio who will all feature in the starting line-up will be keen to put up a good show against their former traditional rivals.

Tickets were sold out two weeks ago for this dream final. It is now up to the players to deliver a memorable final.

Sapa

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