“We want to get a draw or a win on the road,” comments Kaizer Chiefs defender Erick Mathoho about the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal away against Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday, 16 August. “It would also be great if we could keep a clean sheet.”

This clash will be played at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium (kick-off at 3pm). Phunya Sele Sele surprisingly knocked out Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarterfinal, while Amakhosi beat Maritzburg United 5-3.

Mathoho started in the first match of the 2015/2016 Absa Premiership season against Chippa United, his first minutes in an official game after his return from injury. The lanky defender had an operation on his toe during the off-season.

“It went well,” reflects Mathoho on his performance in the 0-0 draw against Chippa last Sunday. “Important was also that we didn’t concede.”

On his new partner in the centre of defence, Siyanda Xulu, he reacts: “It takes time for partnerships to grow. We have to communicate a lot with each other. It’s good to be back.”

The return leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Celtic will be played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off at 20:15).