Posted in News on Jul 14, 2018.
Kaizer Chiefs will participate in the Maize Cup on Saturday, 14 July, which will be our first pre-season tournament. “It’s an exciting tournament,” comments Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein. “We won it last year. We have been working hard the last few weeks and are ready to defend the Cup title.”
Amakhosi are up against ABC Motsepe league side, Buya Msuthu in the semi-final of the Maize Cup at Orkney’s James Motlatsi Stadium in the North West Province on Saturday, 14 July (kick-off at 10:00).
Ekstein played last year in the 2-0 win over Botswana’s Township Rollers to reach the final of the Maize Cup, where the Glamour Boys beat Free State Stars 1-0.
Gustavo Páez scored a brace in the win over Township Rollers. However, he suffered a slight knee injury during pre-season training and it is not likely that he will fully recover to take part in the Maize Cup.
‘Pule’ is also thrilled to have new signing Khama Billiat in the camp. “He has been welcomed by all the players and we will support him. We are looking forward to seeing him score goals.”
Both footballers earlier shared their predictions for the World Cup on the Kaizer Chiefs website. Ekstein saw Belgium winning the tournament presently held in Russia, while Páez opted for Brazil. Both teams are out of the World Cup, although Belgium did reach the semi-final and will play against England in the game for third place on Saturday.
Instead, France will do battle against Croatia in the final. “Croatia will win,” Chiefs’ Venezuelan striker is adamant. “They show such tremendous spirit. They simply want the title more, I feel.”
Ekstein, however, has a different opinion. “France will win 20 years after their World Cup victory in 1998. They not only have good players, they are all prepared to work hard for each other. They work as a team.”
The skillful midfielder thinks that Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modric, Antoine Griezmann or Ivan Rakitic will be selected as the best Player of the Tournament. “One of these four,” he points out.
Páez on the other hand doesn’t think any of these will win the Player of the Tournament award. “Many people go for Mbappé, but I go for Mario Mandzukic. He has scored two crucial goals, the most important being the winner to beat England in the semis. Without these goals, Croatia would not have been in the final.”
The other semi-final of the Maize Cup is between Chippa United and Free State Stars, which will start at 12:00.
The winners of the semi-final matches will meet each other in the final, which will take place at 16:00.
Tickets for the Maize Cup are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers at R40 for adults.
Amakhosi are up against ABC Motsepe league side, Buya Msuthu in the semi-final of the Maize Cup at Orkney’s James Motlatsi Stadium in the North West Province on Saturday, 14 July (kick-off at 10:00).
Ekstein played last year in the 2-0 win over Botswana’s Township Rollers to reach the final of the Maize Cup, where the Glamour Boys beat Free State Stars 1-0.
Gustavo Páez scored a brace in the win over Township Rollers. However, he suffered a slight knee injury during pre-season training and it is not likely that he will fully recover to take part in the Maize Cup.
‘Pule’ is also thrilled to have new signing Khama Billiat in the camp. “He has been welcomed by all the players and we will support him. We are looking forward to seeing him score goals.”
Both footballers earlier shared their predictions for the World Cup on the Kaizer Chiefs website. Ekstein saw Belgium winning the tournament presently held in Russia, while Páez opted for Brazil. Both teams are out of the World Cup, although Belgium did reach the semi-final and will play against England in the game for third place on Saturday.
Instead, France will do battle against Croatia in the final. “Croatia will win,” Chiefs’ Venezuelan striker is adamant. “They show such tremendous spirit. They simply want the title more, I feel.”
Ekstein, however, has a different opinion. “France will win 20 years after their World Cup victory in 1998. They not only have good players, they are all prepared to work hard for each other. They work as a team.”
The skillful midfielder thinks that Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modric, Antoine Griezmann or Ivan Rakitic will be selected as the best Player of the Tournament. “One of these four,” he points out.
Páez on the other hand doesn’t think any of these will win the Player of the Tournament award. “Many people go for Mbappé, but I go for Mario Mandzukic. He has scored two crucial goals, the most important being the winner to beat England in the semis. Without these goals, Croatia would not have been in the final.”
The other semi-final of the Maize Cup is between Chippa United and Free State Stars, which will start at 12:00.
The winners of the semi-final matches will meet each other in the final, which will take place at 16:00.
Tickets for the Maize Cup are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers at R40 for adults.
