Posted in News on Jul 09, 2003.
Midfielder Gerald "Tso" Sibeko was the first to arrive. An interesting face was that of Jossias Macamo - who arrive shortly after Sibeko - but the player never had his luggage bags.
Macamo was in fact at the Village to finalise some finer details before heading to his new home in Limpopo - Dynamos. Macamo was clearly disappointed as he was not part of the travelling party. "I am adjusting well at my new club but it’s not easy," he said. "I am however, looking forward to challenges ahead."
The security personnel and the kit managers were also doing the rounds in ensuring that the entire necessary luggage is not left behind.
PRO Putco Mafani and Nhlanhla Nkosi from the marketing department were also rushing from one point to another while loading the Amakhosi merchandise on the bus. "We need to have some Chiefs colours in the crowd," said Mafani as he lifted a pack of flags to the bus.
All the players arrived in time before boarding a luxury Kaizer Chiefs branded Inter Cape bus to the Johannesburg International for a very long flight to South Korea via Singapore. They are scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Saturday.
Club MD Kaizer Motaung said: "The Peace Cup is going to be tough but we are positive especially after winning the Vodacom Challenge. Playing three games in five days has never been easy but I am sure our players will learn from this experience and apply that to the PSL title race next season.
"Teams participating in the Peace Cup are currently preparing for the new season and we are equally on the same wavelength. To me the South Korean team - Seongnam - will be one of the toughest opposition, as they will have the backing of the local crowd. And the fact that they are midway through in their league campaign will give them an added advantage."
Chiefs director Hameed Mohammad jokingly told assistant coach Doctor Khumalo that he should be careful as "they eat anything that moves there". But the veteran midfielder was not bothered.
The younger players, Buti Sithole, Ntokozo Sikhakhane, Junior Khanye all appeared calm as they packed their luggage. Kaizer Motaung Jnr was also among the travelling party and he is likely to get a run in one of the matches.
One man who appeared to have fun was Jabu Pule. Like a joker in the park, the midfield sensation had some of his teammates in stitches as he kept them entertained while bidding farewell to a few supporters and relatives.
Amakhosi get the ball rolling against French club Lyon on Tuesday at Daejeon live on SS3 from 11:45. Then they face home club Seongnam Ilhwa at Suwon on Thursday before rounding off the group stage with a clash against Turkish giants Besiktas on Sunday at Busan.
All matches will be live on SuperSport with repeats later in the day.
Bon Voyage and Good Luck Amakhosi!