For many of The Amakhosi’s legion’s of fans the opening day of the 2006 – 2007 season could not come any sooner as they have sat by since some time in May without watching the Phefeni Glamour boys in league action.

To make the most of an old cliché one would say that the waiting is nearly over. In just about five days time Chiefs will officially kick off their 2006 – 2007 campaign as The Amakhosi go in search of their third PSL title.

Chiefs begin this season expectant of success, after a number of sound performances in their pre-season campaign, which included victory over English Premier League Giants Manchester United. There is a lot to be positive about amongst Chiefs' supporters with some astute purchases in the off season in the form of Shaun Bartlett and former Bloemfontein Celtic wonder kid Siyabonga Nkosi adding to the positive outlook.

Chiefs pre-season form has also meant that a number of pundits have placed their money on The Amakhosi as the closest challengers to dethroning defending PSL Champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ernst Middendorp is confident that his team will not crumble under the weight of expectancy this time around, as he believes that his team contains the perfect balance of experienced and youthful players. With the additions made to the team in the off season, he has gone some way in rectifying the failings from last season saying “we have worked hard throughout the off season and with the kind of players we have in our team at the moment, I am confident that we will be strong challengers for the title”.

Furthermore the coach also believes that the experienced players in his squad the likes of Shaun Bartlett, Thabo Mooki, Rowen Fernandez, defender Fabian McCarthy and captain Cyril Nzama, will combine well with the youthful exuberance of players such as Gert Schalkwyk, new signing Siyabonga Nkosi and Chiefs revelation from last season David Obua.

With Serge Djiehoua demonstrating the kind of form in recent times that he did prior to getting injured early last season, has further added to the coaches optimistic outlook as he continued: “Ahead of the start of the 06-07 season I just feel better, everything went well in the pre-season. Technical team has had enough time together with the players, the guys have been showing a lot of enthusiasm we have a great team spirit within the squad, which is part of the recipe for a successful campaign, we just need to make sure that we add the other necessary complimentary ingredients”.

For all his optimism the coach is aware that The Amakhosi need to start the season with a win when they travel to the capital for this Sunday’s season opener. Sentiments echoed by goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez “we do not want to start off with a loss or a draw, because all that means is that we have started off by making our own lives difficult, a win will mean a lot for our confidence and will give us the start the we are looking for” said Fernandez.

Since the inception of the PSL back in 1996 – 1997 Chiefs have only ever lost their opening game on one occasion - that being on the opening night of the 2002 – 2003 season. On that occasion Chiefs were defeated 2-1 and that was at the hands of the same team they meet this coming Sunday SuperSport United. Chiefs utility man David Obua believes that what has happened in the past can be changed.

On Sunday he is adamant history can be re written “we cannot let these kind of stats hang over us, it is up to us to go out there and register our first win straight up, we should aim to win all our games. We need to be the pace setters not the chasers and if we want to do that then it is imperative that we begin on a winning note against Supersport” added Obua.

Results in their opening league games have generally favoured Chiefs, in eleven opening games since the inception of the PSL in 1996 – 1997, the Amakhosi have only ever lost one and drawn one game, which is an amazing record.

Ernst Middendorp will be hoping that Chiefs maintain their excellent opening game record and that a victory on the opening afternoon will help carry Chiefs to what will eventually be a happy ending on the 19th May when Chiefs face Silver Stars in their final game of the season.

For now though, Chiefs who were hard at work on the training ground early on Monday morning will be looking for the kind of results they achieved in their first game of the 1999 - 2000 seasons as well as 2004 - 2005. It was during these games that they marked the opening of the new season with comprehensive 4-1 victories over Amazulu and Dynamos respectively.

Kaizer Chiefs opening day Results since 1996 – 1997

1996 – 1997


Jomo Cosmos 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1

1997-1998


African Wanderers 3 Kaizer Chiefs 3

1998 – 1999


Dynamos 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1

1999-2000


Kaizer Chiefs 4 Amazulu 1

2000 – 2001


Bloemfontein Celtic 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1

2001 – 2002


Wits University 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1

2002 – 2003


Kaizer Chiefs 1 Supersport United 2

2003 – 2004


Kaizer Chiefs 2 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

2004 – 2005


Dynamos 1 Kaizer Chiefs 4

2005 – 2006


Bush Bucks 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1

Opening game Statistics since 1996 – 1997

P	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD



Kaizer Chiefs 	10	8	1	1	19	7	12