Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa has urged the club’s loyal supporters to keep the faith following their painful Carling Knockout Cup exit.
Amakhosi bowed out 5–4 on penalties to Stellenbosch FC at a packed DHL Stadium on Sunday, after a tense 120 minutes ended goalless.
Stellies shot-stopper Sage Stephens stole the spotlight, denying Dillan Solomons in sudden death to clinch the win and extinguish Chiefs’ hopes.
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The loss left Chiefs players dejected as they left the pitch, with the team joining Mamelodi Sundowns—who suffered a similar fate against Marumo Gallants—as another giant felled in a weekend of dramatic shootouts.
“I’m truly disappointed. There’s nothing more we could do, we tried our best, but luck wasn’t on our side,” the Mthethwa told SuperSport TV after the match.
“I want to apologise to our fans. I know how much they wanted us to win. We really tried.”
The 30-year-old, part of last season’s Nedbank Cup-winning squad, stressed that Chiefs are now focused on defending that trophy and improving in the league. And called on fans to remain loyal and supportive.
“We will try again in the Nedbank Cup and keep pushing in the league. What’s done is done,” he said.
“Please don’t give up on us. Be patient. We never go onto the pitch to lose, but this is part of football.”