Zwane poised to 'kill two birds with one stone' as Chiefs meet rivals Pirates in Nedbank Cup semis

There are two reasons why Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane is aiming to go all the way in the Nedbank Cup.

The first is to win the competition outright and end the club’s silverware drought, which could be extended to eight years if they do not win the Nedbank Cup.

Second, winning the cup will enable Amakhosi to participate in next season's CAF Confederation Cup. That would be a handy safety net should they fall short in finishing second in the league.

Only a first or second place finish would be rewarded with entry to Africa's premier club competition, the CAF Champions League.

With Mamelodi Sundowns already confirmed as title winners and only second place still up for grabs, Zwane confirmed that playing in the Champions League is a priority. However, that is shaping up to be a difficult scrap for Chiefs.

Amakhosi (41 points) are in fourth position in the DStv Premiership standings, behind second and third place Orlando Pirates (43) and SuperSport United (43), with five matches remaining. And Pirates and SuperSport have a superior goal difference. 

A third-place league finish would also ensure participation in the Confederation Cup.

Zwane knows that winning the Nedbank Cup offers a perfect consolation if they fall short of qualifying in Africa’s biggest club competition.

"What is important for us is to think about playing in the Champions League, think about playing in Africa," said Zwane.

"Because that will help our players to grow, especially the young ones, and that is the target.

"We have the opportunity today, as you said, and that is why we have to go all the way to the final. We have to push ourselves.

"At least we will be able to kill two birds with one stone."

There is the matter of their Nedbank Cup semifinal