“We are fortunate to have the pool of players we have at our disposal,” comments assistant coach Doctor Khumalo about Kaizer Chiefs’ MTN8 final against Ajax Cape Town and the possible starting line-up. “We are spoilt for choice.”

Chiefs won the Top 8 competition a record 15 times. Two of those come under the umbrella of MTN as the competition’s sponsors since 2008.

The 2015 MTN8 final will see Amakhosi face off against the Urban Warriors on Saturday, 19 September (kick-off is at 15:00).

“It is not a fluke that we are the defending champions,” says Khumalo ahead of the final, which will take place in front of a capacity crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. “We have won this trophy more than any other team in the league.”

Chiefs boast a squad of esteemed local and international players and Khumalo marvels at this fact: “The beauty of this is that most of our players know what is expected of them even before they join Chiefs. Players come to Chiefs being aware what they have to do to advance the reputation of the Club. For the new players, to win the trophy is the cherry on top of playing for Chiefs.”

Amakhosi just had a fabulous win in the Absa Premiership, demolishing title chasers SuperSport United 4-1.

“The players at Chiefs know you are as good as your last game,” comments Khumalo. “Normally teams struggle to achieve a win ahead of major matches. However, with coach Steve (Komphela) it is a different ball game. Our team’s mentality is different and we are tactically and mentally sound.”

Ajax are early pace setters in the league after four matches played. They were finalists of the 2015 Nedbank Cup.

Khumalo is aware of their exploits: “Ajax are not an easy team to face. They have young players with pace. For most of their players playing in a final is a dream come true. It seems to be standard that our opponents bring their best when they play Chiefs.”

Tickets for the match have already been sold out.

“I would like to reiterate the message from our management,” Khumalo stresses the need for the supporters to behave. “We urge our supporters to come to the stadium to enjoy. We treasure their support and care about them. However, a piece of advice – please, there is no need to get drunk to support our team!”