“We had a good start to pre-season,” Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker reflects after the team began training with new coach Steve Komphela about two weeks ago.

“The coach has been motivating us to improve,” continues the 29-year-old, “both as a team and as individuals. Doctor Khumalo, as the assistant-coach, is also helping out in this regard. Komphela is very much a father figure kind of coach, we enjoy working with him.”

Parker scored seven league goals last season. The striking department has recently been reinforced with Bongani Ndulula and Cameldine Abraw, while Matthew Rusike has left the Club.

“We want to play the Kaizer Chiefs style of football,” Parker adds. “That’s being confident when in possession of the ball, being lethal in front of goal and also being a bit stubborn.”

Amakhosi’s first official game will be at the King’s Super Cup in Swaziland on Saturday, 18 July. Last week’s draw decided that Chiefs will play in the semi-final against Mbabane Swallows (kick-off at 9am).

The other semi-final is between Orlando Pirates and Swazi league champions Royal Leopards. The winners of these two clashes will face each other in the final at 3pm.

Swaziland’s Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, which is between Mbabane and Manzini, will host the King’s Super Cup tournament.