Posted in News, Team News on Aug 31, 2018.
“That was a great feeling,” comments Khotso Malope about his goal against Bloemfontein Celtic, his first in the Gold & Black. “The goal helped the team to get a result.”
The 24-year-old midfielder got a rare start against Celtic and certainly made the most of it, playing well and netting the 2-0. The goal was a beauty. Leonardo Castro played the ball deep towards Malope, coming from the right, who stylishly chipped the ball over the outcoming goalkeeper, Patrick Tignyemb.
Malope made his Kaizer Chiefs debut in an Absa Premiership game against Maritzburg United last season. The game ended in a 2-0 win. The skilful young player also started three days later against Golden Arrows on 23 September 2017 with the game finishing in a goalless draw.
Thereafter, however, Malope only came on three times as a sub, the last coming on 6 January 2018, when Amakhosi faced SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium. The midfielder replaced Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya in the 80th minute.
Coach Giovanni Solinas called the player to him on Tuesday, before the team’s pre-match session. “You will start tomorrow,” the Italian told the youngster.
“I was so excited,” Malope reflects. “I was focussed and ready. I slept well, as I always do.” He went on to have a fine performance, getting involved in attacking moves, combination play and also tracking back to defend.
He was replaced in the 70th minute by Bhongolethu Jayiya. “I had a bit of cramp,” the Benoni-born youngster explains. “That’s because I haven’t had much game-time in recent time and therefore lacked a bit of match fitness.”
Malope is disappointed about the final result against Celtic. “A draw was not what we are looking for. We have to go back to the drawing board, rectify our mistakes and be focussed.”
He feels optimistic about the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. “We got a 2-2 draw in the first leg, which was positive. We play at home on Saturday night and with the backing of our loyal supporters, I am confident that we will reach the final.”
Chiefs host the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 September. Kick-off is at 20:15.
The tickets cost R15 for children and R60 for adults.
TicketPro outlets are found at Edgars, JET, Spar and CNA stores nationwide.
Parking is free opposite gate M.
The Kaizer Chiefs Retail store is at gate K at FNB Stadium, while entrance is through gate E and M.
The 24-year-old midfielder got a rare start against Celtic and certainly made the most of it, playing well and netting the 2-0. The goal was a beauty. Leonardo Castro played the ball deep towards Malope, coming from the right, who stylishly chipped the ball over the outcoming goalkeeper, Patrick Tignyemb.
Malope made his Kaizer Chiefs debut in an Absa Premiership game against Maritzburg United last season. The game ended in a 2-0 win. The skilful young player also started three days later against Golden Arrows on 23 September 2017 with the game finishing in a goalless draw.
Thereafter, however, Malope only came on three times as a sub, the last coming on 6 January 2018, when Amakhosi faced SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium. The midfielder replaced Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya in the 80th minute.
Coach Giovanni Solinas called the player to him on Tuesday, before the team’s pre-match session. “You will start tomorrow,” the Italian told the youngster.
“I was so excited,” Malope reflects. “I was focussed and ready. I slept well, as I always do.” He went on to have a fine performance, getting involved in attacking moves, combination play and also tracking back to defend.
He was replaced in the 70th minute by Bhongolethu Jayiya. “I had a bit of cramp,” the Benoni-born youngster explains. “That’s because I haven’t had much game-time in recent time and therefore lacked a bit of match fitness.”
Malope is disappointed about the final result against Celtic. “A draw was not what we are looking for. We have to go back to the drawing board, rectify our mistakes and be focussed.”
He feels optimistic about the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. “We got a 2-2 draw in the first leg, which was positive. We play at home on Saturday night and with the backing of our loyal supporters, I am confident that we will reach the final.”
Chiefs host the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 September. Kick-off is at 20:15.
The tickets cost R15 for children and R60 for adults.
TicketPro outlets are found at Edgars, JET, Spar and CNA stores nationwide.
Parking is free opposite gate M.
The Kaizer Chiefs Retail store is at gate K at FNB Stadium, while entrance is through gate E and M.
