Posted in Features, News on Apr 12, 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters turned out en masse to rally behind the senior team as they gathered at the Atlyn Shopping Centre in Atteridgeville on Friday, for a Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs activation, showcasing their support for the team ahead of the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
The roadshow featured appearances by players, Happy Mashiane, Tebogo Potsane, and Samkelo Zwane, who mingled with supporters and participated in various activities. Former Kaizer Chiefs defender, Erick Mathoho, well-versed in the drama of this high-stakes encounter, was also in attendance.
"I'm confident that things will turn around for the team," Mathoho said, expressing his optimism about the team's prospects. "The players need all the support they can get, and I'm happy to see the fans coming out in numbers to motivate the team."
Mathoho, who played for Amakhosi for just over a decade and was part of a group that won the Nedbank Cup in the 2012/13 season, added that players “must work hard if they want to succeed against Sundowns. It's a big match, and every player needs to bring their A-game if they want to make a difference."
This season's fourth meeting between Chiefs and Sundowns promises to be an intense affair, with the Brazilians holding an edge in their previous three encounters. However, the Glamour Boys are driven by the prospect of securing a coveted spot in the final, which would not only bring them closer to returning to continental competition but also provide a much-needed boost to their season.
"We're inspired by the nature of the competition," said Amakhosi winger, Potsane, "We know that reaching the final would be a significant step towards achieving our goals, and we're focused on giving it our all.
“We also want to be remembered as a generation that contributed to the trophy cabinet,” he added.
As the match draws closer, there's a palpable sense of determination among the Chiefs players. "We're feeling positive about our chances," said midfielder, Zwane. "We know it's not going to be easy, but we're confident that we can make it happen."
The importance of finishing the season on a high note cannot be overstated, and the players are acutely aware of this. "It's crucial that we end the season with a strong performance," Zwane noted, "We'll give it everything and make the supporters proud."
The match kicks-off at 18:00 on Sunday, 13 April at Loftus Versveld.