Pule Mmodi ready to do the hard yards as Kaizer Chiefs target Siwelele scalp

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Pule Mmodi insists he is happy to do the hard yards as his team shifts focus from continental football to domestic league action, starting with their Wednesday showdown against Siwelele FC at the FNB Stadium (7.30pm kick-off).

Fresh from a goalless draw in their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg against Democratic Republic of Congo outfit AS Simba, Chiefs will now turn their attention to a Siwelele side currently sitting third from bottom.

Despite only securing two wins from their first nine fixtures, Siwelele have demonstrated clear signs of progress, highlighted by their impressive 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Bloemfontein derby—their most notable result of the season.

The Glamour Boys will once again look to their key players to make a difference, and with Mmodi having been one of the standout figures for Amakhosi in recent times—particularly under the guidance of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi and his assistants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze—the upcoming clash could present another opportunity for the midfielder to deliver a strong performance.

The 32-year-old expects a tough encounter against a solid Lehlohonolo Seema-led side.

“Siwelele is more like a SuperSport United team; they have a lot of experienced players,” Mmodi said ahead of the match.

The left winger has been one of Chiefs’ standout performers, particularly last season, tirelessly covering the left flank. With Nabi’s recent exit from the club, Mmodi provided insight into the demanding role he has been asked to play.

“Since coach Nabi and Khalil (Ben Youssef) came to the club, what they said was that they wanted wingers that can have a lot of energy to go up and down the flank.

“I can say that I play as a wing full-back when we attack, and when we have to defend, I have to help the left-back. A lot of people do not understand the role that I play for the team, but football players or someone who has football sense will clearly understand the position I am playing.

“I am familiar with the position, and I always want to give my best because I am a hard worker.”

Chiefs’ Confederation Cup campaign has offered valuable lessons that could benefit them in domestic competitions. While travel and squad rotation remain challenges, Mmodi is encouraged by the depth of the squad and the competition it creates within the team.

“With the players that we have now this season, there is a lot of competition, especially with the forward players. There is (Asanele) Velebayi — I have known him since he was playing for Cape Town Spurs.

“There is a lot of competition, and everyone is ready to take this opportunity whenever it is given by the coach.”

With his commitment clear, Mmodi has also left the door open for a return to Bafana Bafana but also understands that it will take more hard work.

“I do want to go back to the national team setup and give something to the national team. I will always work hard to see myself there again.”he concluded.