Let me start by wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I would advise that we take it easy on the festivities as these are often marred by accidents and fatalities.

Over indulgence has proven too costly and may I beg that we take care of ourselves!

I would also like to thank our supporters for carrying us through the challenges of the early 2007/8 seasons. It has been an emotionally challenging period and I am grateful that we pulled together to see Kaizer Chiefs rising above these challenges.

To wrap the season, we are faced with the tough Back Leopards, a team that stole our glory by annexing the Limpopo Challenge trophy early in the season.

Without sounding begrudging, I would honestly like to see our boys reverse the misfortune by going out there to claim all maximum points. It is going to be a tough one considering that I would be watching from the stand the first time at the Amakhosi’s seat! I do however trust our lads and hope that they give a better account of themselves.

Looking at the developments in the team, I do get a sense of satisfaction with the manner in which we addressed the difficult transformation process.

We have achieved a great deal in reorganizing matters around fitness levels of our players.

Thanks to the contribution of Coach Madida, the hardworking Elsa and Warren in ensuring the fitness levels of our players.

The equally amazing Rainer Dinckelacker has worked wonders in the goalkeeping department. I must state that our boys are much more sharper and fitter to meet any opposition.

On the other hand, Lou Morgan, Dave Milner and Dr. Maepa have always shown commitment in ensuring that our boys are healthy, whilst our Team Manager has always come through for us on many occasions.

Essentially I must thank the entire staff and Management of Kaizer Chiefs that are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our team remains well prepared and focussed for any match.

The support structure of Team Security and the Kit Managers has always been appreciated as well.

Psychologically, our lads went through trying times considering the slump in form, the injuries and the pressure of playing consecutive matches within a short space of time.

You would recall the frequency of the matches in Durban whilst the route towards the Telkom Knockout finals was laden with tough opposition like Swallows, Supersport and Celtic.

Overcoming Sundowns in the finals was the ultimate test considering that we had just returned from the epic derby in Durban against the equally tough Orlando Pirates. Surely these matches required more than skill and talent by demanding a more focussed and disciplined mentality to perform at the highest level.

Our style of football has changed dramatically with our lads showing more grit in attacking and playing entertaining football whilst conceding that some opposition were uncompromising in giving us the much-needed points.

I am therefore glad that there is a family spirit within our playing ranks evidenced from the manner in which the little chickens (our young boys) have found solace and acceptance from the senior players.

Looking at Mandla Masango, Sandile Zuke, Tshepo Bulu, Sihle Mbambo and Bamuza Gololo enjoying the comfort of mixing with other players has given me confidence that we are on the right track.

By the way these lads form an integral part of pursuing our youth policy whilst conceding that it may not be easy to release some experienced and best players currently in the squad.

The acquisition of the talented Michael Nkambule further adds a feather on our cap. I am however glad that the chickens have acquitted themselves well whilst players like David Mathebula, Itumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalala have stabilised their presence in the team.

The unfortunate loss of Jonathan Quartey did not do us good but I believe it is just a matter of time before we see a fully fledged Kaizer Chiefs that boasts both experienced and a younger generation of hungry and talented players.

The recent signings of Wayne Matle and Siphelele Scara 2 Mthembu gives us many options to consider for the season.

Watching the hunger on the faces of these 20year olds puts a smile on my face as we diligently seek to unleash a generation of young blood and highly charged chickens in the face of a transforming Amakhosi.

As for the league, I am not that particularly pleased with our log position but there is nothing to press panic buttons considering that there is only a seven-point margin between the top teams and us. We have set a target of 54 points that we need to collect to remain in contention for league honours.

These are achievable and thanks to the recess we have the entire January and part of February 2008 to really knuckle down to some serious rebuilding. I hope the two-week camp would yield positive results so that we return to our league race with more dedication to wrestle all remaining points that can put us on top of the log.

Some season ago in 2000/01 we went seventeen games on a winning spree that saw us missing the trophy with a miserable one point. This was after coming from the middle line of the league in our campaign.

Without thinking of a repeat, I must state that there is still ample opportunity to make worthy strides in the race and I am confident that we shall stage a formidable fight. My take is that the league race is still open and any team that shows consistency in performance would walk away with the much-celebrated trophy. As for us, the holiday season is going to be the shortest!

May I thank you heartily for all your comments, critique and encouraging words that have always made us strong. Please keep those letters coming! As for me, I have recently subscribed to the Amakhosi Supporters Club by taking my membership and I hope we all follow the same. After all, it is now beneficial to be a member of the entire Amakhosi family. So do get your membership cards!

I must pen off and wave a hearty goodbye as I recoil to meet my Turkish and German ancestors for the cold Christmas festive in Europe. I hope to return to a welcoming South Africa to steer this amazingly powerful Amakhosi vessel into exciting heights of league and cup glory.

Merry Christmas and GOD Bless!

Coach Muhsin Ertugral