“It is going to be a tough match for both sides,” comments Itumeleng Khune about this afternoon’s first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against SuperSport United. “We know United very well. They are a good side. Don’t forget as well that they knocked us out last season.

“We are well prepared and we are starting to gel as a team under coach Giovanni Solinas. We are going for the win, because we want to take a lead into the second match at FNB Stadium next week. That’s why we will do our utmost best to get a victory today.”

Kaizer Chiefs are still without a few players, including George Maluleka and Gustavo Páez. “George is in the final stage of rehabilitation and will be back in full training in about two weeks’ time,” says the club’s physiotherapist Dave Milner, before confirming that “Gustavo is ruled out due to flu.”

Joseph Molangoane, meanwhile, had his plaster removed and is now wearing a moon boot. ‘Tight’ will start with the rehabilitation process in the next few days.

“The mood in the camp is great,” concludes captain Khune. “We are expecting a tough encounter. We are ready for it.”

The clash between Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United will take place at Atterideville’s Lucas Moripe Stadium and will kick off at 15:00.