Amakhosi have an opportunity to bounce back from their controversial defeat against Orlando Pirates on Saturday when they welcome AmaZulu to the FNB stadium for a Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday evening.

Speaking exclusively to www.kaizerchiefs.com, Kaizer Chiefs defender, Rushwin Dortley believes the team’s showing in the Derby gives them confidence going into the match against Usuthu.

“The Derby was an amazing experience for me, personally. I always watched the game on television and now I got to play in it, but unfortunately the result didn’t go our way. However, the team performance was good and we are going into our upcoming game against AmaZulu in a positive frame of mind. The team is ready to go and fight for the three points,” he says.

Chiefs come up against former coach and legendary former player, Arthur Zwane, who is currently co-coach of the Durban-based outfit. However, Dortley dismisses the notion that ‘10111’ might have some inside knowledge that he could use to AmaZulu’s advantage.

“We have done thorough preparation for this game and we have a strategy,” he says, adding, “Things have changed here since Arthur Zwane left and new coaches have come in, so I don’t think he has any inside track on how things work with the team now.”

Tuesday’s match marks the first fixture of the second round of the Betway Premiership campaign, and Chiefs are determined to climb the table in search of a high finish and the rewards that come with that.

“Our focus is to win every game and claim maximum points in order to move up the table,” says Dortley, “While it is still mathematically possible, our goal is to win the league but, if not, at least finish in the top three, and qualify for CAF competition next season. We really want to represent the Club on the continent again. “

With little turnaround time between games, players’ fitness and endurance is tested, but Dortley emphasises his faith in the ability of the coaching staff to get them ready for action.

“Our conditioning coach is amazing. He knows what he is doing. We have all followed his recovery protocols and we are ready to give our maximum tomorrow,” he says.

Yet to open his goal scoring account for Amakhosi, when asked, Dortley replies with a smile, “Hopefully tomorrow.”

Tickets for the match are available at TicketPro online at www.ticketpro.co.za, Spar and Boxer Supermarket, as well as various Sasol filling stations.

The match kicks off at 19:30 at FNB stadium on Tuesday, 4 February.