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By Sibongiseni Gumbi

Football Writer


Resilient Spurs looking for another big upset against Chiefs

“We initiated a process, and that's how we responded, setting reasonably high standards," says Connor. 


Cape Town Spurs’ recent victory wasn’t a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of the team’s commitment to a well-defined process put in place by the DStv Premiership newcomers. 

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Coach Sean Connor attributes the success to his team’s resilience. After their impressive win against Orlando Pirates, Connor emphasised the importance of maintaining that level of effort, especially as they face Kaizer Chiefs at an empty FNB Stadium.

Spurs visit Chiefs at the World Cup venue this evening for a game that will be played without the fans as the Naturena side honour a ban imposed by the PSL’ disciplinary committee. 

This was after Chiefs fans wreaked havoc, and pelted then coach Molefi Ntseki with missiles, demanding that he be fired. It was a third successive offence. 

Acknowledging the significance of the game, Connor noted, “First of all, Spurs is a big club too. And no, it doesn’t get any easier. 

“I’ve just told the players that it’s just one game. We initiated a process, and that’s how we responded, setting reasonably high standards. 

“Even earlier in the season, we likely had better performances and still ended up with defeats.”

What shone through in the match against Pirates was the team’s resilience, belief, and trust in the established process. 

Connor is resolute in making sure his players understand that the challenges won’t get any easier as they progress.

In tonight’s match, Connor’s Spurs will meet Chiefs, a team in a situation similar to their own. 

Johnson saw positives in Chiefs team

The Naturena side also have a new stand-in coach in Cavin Johnson. However, unlike Connor, Johnson is still in search of his first win as Amakhosi coach and will probably see Spurs as the ideal opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

Speaking after his first game in charge – a defeat to Golden Arrows two weeks ago – Johnson confessed that he saw some positives. 

“That is the love of Kaizer Chiefs,” said Johnson. “That is where, even myself as an individual when I walk into the village… 

“That is what you feel – the love. That out there shows you that these people love this team. 

“And it also shows that yes, they love this team, but maybe we also did play a bit of the brand of football that all of us are used to seeing. 

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“Therefore, we have one foot in the right direction. The other one will come, and when they are happy, you guys (the media) are going to be out of my way.”

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