Ashley Du Preez analyses why Kaizer Chiefs are performing well in the Nedbank Cup and struggling in the PSL - 'The difference is definitely our mentality'

Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley Du Preez has explained why he thinks they struggle in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) while they seem to do well in the Nedbank Cup.

Du Preez has blamed the players' mentality in regard to the two competitions and said their PSL performance will improve if they face league games the way they do the domestic cup competitions.

“For me, the difference is definitely our mentality. It’s how we approach cup games and how we approach league games. We need to balance it. We need to go into each game with the same mentality as a team," Du Preez told journalists, as quoted by FARPost.

“If we go in cup games the way we go in league games, things will go better for us in the league. So, for me, it’s to be consistent as a team.

“We’ve been doing great in the cup. And now with the situation at the club, you know, we want to win silverware. Our main focus is not supposed to be only on cup games. It’s supposed to be in the league [as well].

“We want to win the league also. We want to be in the top three. You know, so for me, mentality needs to be stronger," he added.

The Glamour Boys have made their way into the cup final, and their most surprising outcome was a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final.

Against the odds, Amakhosi saw off the Tshwane giants, who have been dominating the PSL for almost eight years now, and are regular Caf Champions League semi-finalists, to book a date at the ultimate stage of the domestic competition.

In the final, they are set to face their Soweto traditional rivals, Orlando Pirates, who are also the defending champions.

However, the same determination and grit has been missing from Chiefs' league campaign. They are now winless in five games, having drawn against Cape Town City, TS Galaxy, and Chippa United, while losing to Golden Arrows and struggling Richards Bay.

These results mean that their top eight dream currently hangs in the balance.

The poor run in the league has led to mounting pressure on head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Although their main focus is on the cup final against Pirates, Amakhosi will have to fight to see that they return to winning ways in PSL and ease the pressure on their shoulders.

They are set to host Marumo Gallants on April 26 before back-to-back duels against Pirates. A Soweto derby league showdown has been scheduled for May 3, before the Nedbank Cup final on May 10.