'We are ready!' Former Amakhosi left-back Bradley Carnell is ready for his side's upcoming match against Tuks. 'Carnell?', some might ask. Didn't he last play for Kaizer Chiefs in 1998? Yes, he did before moving to German Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart.

At present, Carnell is coaching UJ (University of Johannesburg), who reached the final of the Varsity Football competition after beating UF last Monday evening. In the other semifinals, UP-Tuks defeated NWU in Mafikeng.

UJ will now play Tuks in the final (UJ stadium in Soweto) this coming Monday, two days after Kaizer Chiefs face AmaTuks, as the professional side is called, in an Absa Premiership match on Saturday afternoon (kickoff at 3pm, FNB Stadium).

Carnell laughs about the coincidence when told about it. 'On the other hand', the former Bafana Bafana stalwart reacts. 'Kaizer Chiefs are in a different category at the moment. They have played five league matches, winning them all and conceded only one goal. The Amakhosi have seemingly re-discovered their rhythm of the first half of last season. They are playing dominant soccer with quality one-touch passing.'

AmaTuks are, however, not to be underestimated. Their coach Steve Barker has gained a reputation of creating upsets against the so-called bigger teams. Carnell nods. He adds: 'Stuart Baxter approaches things his own way and that has worked well. I am sure he won't allow the players to forget to focus on the upcoming game, even with a MTN8 Cup final coming up a week later. AmaTuks are indeed not a team to be taken lightly.

And, what I like about the present Kaizer Chiefs team is that there is so much competition. For example, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker have been injured, but the other players have just raised their game. Competition for places is healthy for a team.'

The tickets for Kaizer Chiefs' match on Saturday, 13 September, can be bought at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide at a cost of R40. Children get in for R10. Gates open at 12:00 (kickoff at 15:00).