Kaizer Chiefs U19 side is confident ahead of the Supersport U19 Cup that kicks off today in Pimville, Soweto. This followed withdrawals by the Club not to participate in the recent tournaments, Manchester United U15 Tournament and Engen U17 Tournament last month.

Talking to kaizerchiefs.com early on Wednesday Donald “Ace” Khuse, Kaizer Chiefs U19 coach said his charges are ready to compete in this tournament following an internal process by the Club to verify the age of all players in the youth development programme.

He said, “Age cheating is hampering our development and it was important for the Club to take stringent measures to uproot the problem. That process has now been finalised and we are back and ready to participate in this tournament.

It is a good opportunity for the players to showcase their God-given talent. We have good players who are capable of representing us well in this tournament. It is a pity that a player like Sandiso Ngqothana who is already 20 will miss out playing in the tournament. This again poses a challenge to our development structures in the country as players above 19 do not have any tournaments or reserve league to participate in, for them to showcase their talent”

Kaizer Chiefs who are in Group C of the competition will have to shrug off challenges from SuperSport United, De Beers, Orlando Pirates and Santos to make sure we proceed to the next round, “We have prepared well despite the fact that we could not spend more time with the players as we would have liked. In our group (Group C) Supersport United will be dangerous as they have always been, while we did face De Beers last year and did not have problem beating them. We are going all out to do well in this tournament” said the legendary.

The Mohlakeng-born former star poured water on suggestions that there is not enough talent in the Kaizer Chiefs development structures, “Kaizer Chiefs future is bright. We have good players who are capable of representing the team in the near future. For instance the Supersport U19 Cup provides the players an opportunity to catch the eye of first team Head Coach, Muhsin Ertugral. We also have a very good U17 team which Doctor Khumalo is looking after. I have had to take eight players from that team to strengthen the U19 side. If nurtured properly, I am confident that these boys are our bright future going forward.”

SuperSport U19 Cup Fixtures:

07-Aug-08 Kaizer Chiefs vs. De Beers @ 11h40


07-Aug-08 Kaizer Chiefs vs. Supersport @ 16h35


08-Aug-08 Kaizer Chiefs vs. Santos @ 12h40


08-Aug-08 Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates @ 17h50