Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz believes facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout semi-finals will provide his players with the perfect opportunity to develop, gain experience and prove their quality.

Amakhosi booked their place in the last four after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. Their reward is a highly anticipated clash against Sundowns, who progressed after defeating Golden Arrows 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter.

Despite the challenge ahead, Da Cruz is not worried about facing the reigning South African champions. Instead, he believes matches of this magnitude are exactly what his squad needs to grow.

The Chiefs coach explained that competing against strong opponents will help his players become more mature and mentally prepared for important occasions. He also made it clear that his team will approach the encounter with the ambition of reaching the final.

Chiefs will take some confidence from their previous meeting with Sundowns in August, when the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.

Their quarter-final victory over Siwelele was not without drama. Siyabonga Ndebele opened the scoring before Mduduzi Shabalala missed a penalty. However, Shabalala bounced back by winning another spot-kick, which Wandile Duba converted before half-time.

Substitute Asanele Velebayi then completed the comeback, scoring his first goal since joining Chiefs in 2025.

Da Cruz also defended Shabalala, encouraging him to remain confident and continue working hard despite his penalty miss. He described the midfielder as an important member of the squad.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC will host Orlando Pirates in the other semi-final.

With a place in the final at stake, Chiefs now face a major challenge against Sundowns as they continue their pursuit of silverware.

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