Impressively on Saturday, Chiefs overpowered Wydad with nine men following red cards to goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and striker Samir Nurkovic, who will both miss the trip to Horoya AC for their must-win final group game. We know what to expect when we go there [to Guinea] next week, what else can we do? At the start of the season that was my primary focus [working on the team s mentality] because the mentality is the most important thing, Hunt told the media. There was a huge setback after what happened last season. There was a huge mental meltdown. I think sometimes they [players] need time away from the game, which they haven t had. If you understand football, sometimes less is better. We need a few days just not to train, to get away.
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Hunt concedes it s been a tough time for Khune, although the coach does see some light at the end of the tunnel for Chiefs longest-serving player.
“He’s had a hell of time in his life, you know with what’s happened, Hunt said after Amakhosi s 1-0 Caf Champions League Group C win over Wydad Casablanca on Saturday. But I can see he is coming back, mentally. I always felt that his problem – I spoke to him about this, I don’t want to hide it – is that he fell out of love with the game. You’ve got to love the game.
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Squads & Team News
Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt confirmed that Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro are available for selection.
The duo is returning from injury with Billiat having been out since January while Castro has missed the team s last five games.
Their return is what Hunt needs as the pair has vast Champions League experience from their days at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Hunt also welcomes back fit-again Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kearyn Baccus. Mphahlele missed Chiefs last match against Orlando Pirates while Baccus was also not present for that game due to illness.
Chiefs will also be welcoming back Lebogang Manyama who was suspended for their last match against Orlando Pirates.