Speed merchant Ashley Du Preez has opened up on his injury struggles at Kaizer Chiefs and why he believes the success-starved side can go all the way in the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs are preparing to face Stellenbosch FC, whom they have already beaten twice this season, in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
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Ahead of the match, Nabi will be relieved to have even more attacking options with the recent return to action of Du Preez - who came off the bench to score the winner against Magesi FC on Tuesday.
"Getting onto the field after coming back from injury and scoring the winning goal and the three points is exceptional, and I am very happy. Injuries are part of the game, but it's a question of how you bounce back, and I am just delighted and relieved to be fit again," declared Du Preez.
With the league title seemingly out of reach, the Nedbank Cup is now the only realistic opportunity at silverware for the Soweto giants in an anti-climatic season.
"I can see that," notes the former Stellies man.
"Which is why we are extra focused on this weekend's match because it's our only realistic chance of winning silverware.
"This is a very important game in the context of our season. Our preparation has been good and we are mindful that there's no second chance in knockout competition."
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For the speedy attacker, coming up against his former club is an exciting prospect.
"It's always nice to play against a former team. There's a familiarity with their structures and the way they play. Going into a cup game is a very different approach from a league match.
"We have to get a positive result on the day, so we are going out to win and get through to the semifinals," he said.
Kick-off is at 18:00.