In the world of South African football, emotions run deep, and the recent semi-final clash in the MTN8 tournament between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns left fans and players alike in a state of anguish.
The defeat, particularly for star player Ashley Du Preez, has etched itself into the hearts of Chiefs supporters, as the club’s nine-plus years of trophylessness continues.
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Trophyless Run Continues For Chiefs
The stage was set for a historic moment, a chance for Kaizer Chiefs to break free from their trophy drought, but alas, it was not to be.
The semi-final match, which saw Chiefs take on the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns, unfolded as a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players.
Ashley Du Preez, who has been a shining star for the club, had his moment in the spotlight when he found the back of the net, contributing a crucial goal to Chiefs’ efforts.
It seemed as though the tide was turning in their favor.
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However, football can be unforgiving, and a double from Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile turned the tables, securing a 2-1 victory for the Brazilians and a 3-2 aggregate win that sent them to the final against Orlando Pirates.
Full time score: (Shalulile 1’, 45+ 4') Mamelodi Sundowns 2 : 1 Kaizer Chiefs (Du Preez. pen 34’)
Aggregate :
Mamelodi Sundowns 3 : 2 Kaizer Chiefs#Amakhosi4Life #MTN8 #Khosified pic.twitter.com/ekaohxOOt1— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 23, 2023
Du Preez Hurt By Sundowns’ Defeat
For Du Preez and his teammates, the pain of this defeat runs deep.
In a heartfelt statement, he expressed the collective sentiment of the team, saying, “It’s very tough; it’s still hurting.
“I think we had a massive opportunity to put our hands on the trophy and make history.”
The disappointment is palpable, knowing that they came so close to ending the trophyless run that has plagued the club for nearly a decade.
The gravity of this trophy drought cannot be underestimated.
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Chiefs is a club steeped in tradition and boasts one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in the country.
The absence of silverware for such an extended period is a stark departure from the club’s storied history of success.
Fans yearn for the glory days to return, and the MTN8 tournament seemed like the perfect opportunity to turn the tide.
Du Preez continued, “It’s going to be tough to move on because we know we haven’t won a trophy in years.
“And we really wanted to change that, especially to make the fans happy. We failed them and we failed the Club.”
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His words resonate with the collective sense of responsibility felt by the players to deliver success to their supporters.
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