“We are in a preparation phase for the start of the 2016/17 PSL season,” reflects Willard Katsande after the lost final of the FAME Charity Cup. “We know results matter every time we play, but during pre-season we are testing a number of elements in the game.”

The hard-tackling midfield kingpin was captain when the Amakhosi lost 3-0 on penalties to the premiership rookies, Baroka FC.

Katsande, William Twala and George Maluleka all missed their spot kicks to hand Baroka the FAME Charity Cup trophy.

“The penalty kicks were a big disappointment, for the team and also for me personally, as the captain on the day. I take responsibility and will work on it,” notes Katsande.

“We are perfecting some of the tactics,” reveals Katsande. “We are also cautious not to give away much detail to the opponents at this stage of the pre-season.”

Chiefs had brushed aside the NFD rookies Magesi FC 2-0 in the semifinal match played earlier at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium. Hendrick Ekstein and Lucky Baloyi scored in that game.

“We are not reading much from the opponents at this stage,” states Katsande. “I am sure they too are in their preparation phase and they might conceal some of their plans. At the same time, it is a norm that our opposition always raise to the occasion when they play against us. We had a few chances against Baroka to seal the match during the regulation time. We must fix that before the start of the season.”

“We are ready to kick off with the league programme,” concludes Katsande. “We can’t wait, because we are motivated to do well and give our supporters something to cheer about.”

Amakhosi will open their season with an away Absa Premiership assignment against neighbours Bidvest Wits on Tuesday, 23 August. The match is scheduled to take place at Bidvest Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:30.