So said Amakhosi team manager Bobby Motaung as he looked ahead to Chiefs' prospects of defending their Castle Premiership title and facing the best in Africa when they compete in the Caf Champions League.

Yet more worrying is Amakhosi's backlog of league fixtures.

Chiefs have played four matches less than the three pacesetters, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows.

Chiefs, with 18 points, are 11 adrift of leaders Pirates.

"That backlog of fixtures is a problem. We are expecting a tough 2005. Games in hand are not points.

"Although we have four matches in hand it does not mean much unless we convert them to points.

"That could be easier said than done looking at our programme.

"The Caf Champions League which starts at the end of January will test us.

"But we are quietly confident," said Motaung.

Motaung praised his players and coach Ted Dumitru for winning the league title in May and successfully defending the Coca-Cola Cup.

"I could not have asked any more of my players. They did brilliantly in 2004 and let's hope that trend continues.

"But we are preparing for tough times," said Motaung, adding that management were looking into the transfer market when the transfer window opened at the end of next month.

"Due to the heavy demands we are expecting to experience in the domestic league and in Africa, we will be looking at strengthening the squad here and there.

"But we are closed for the festive holidays.

Chairman Kaizer Motaung will make an announcement some time in January regarding what new players, if any, we intend bringing on board," he added.

Meanwhile, Chiefs spokesperson Putco Mafani has slammed SuperSport United on his club's website after complaints by United over their 1-0 defeat by Chiefs in the Coca-Cola Cup final in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.

United complained about the fact they should have been awarded a penalty when Chiefs defender Cyril Nzama appeared to handle to ball inside the penalty area.

United are also upset over the row that broke out in the tunnel between United and Chiefs security.

Said Mafani: "United must shut up and accept defeat. We are aware that it is a pain for them to come to terms with it, as they thought they were invincible."