“We are the defending champs,” reminds the Team Captain Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala. The newly appointed Chiefs captain was fired up during the MTN 8 Press Conference held at the PSL Offices on Monday. “Last season was tough but, this season will be tougher.”

Chiefs welcome Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium to defend their 2014 MTN Cup trophy. “The preparation has gone well and the Coach (Steve Komphela) has collected info to help us through this journey. We are looking forward to the game.”

Shabba continues, “We want to defend our trophy and our mission. We do have a lot of players with leadership qualities in the team. That's why we have the Captains Committee.”

Shabba clarifies the role of the Captains Committee, “We help the younger players to grow in the team. We are a team and we share a common goal. We know our responsibility is to win and bring glory to the club.”

“The game against Pirates was tough,” reflects Shabba, the scorer of one of the penalties during the Carling Black Label Cup derby on Saturday. “With penalties it happens everywhere, big players in the world do miss penalties in big games. What is important is what you do after.”

“We had a good time in our preparations with the new players,” add Shabba. “We have mixed well and are all ready for Wednesday. The journey starts on Wednesday.”

Kick-off is at 19:30 and gates open at 17:00.

“We are in the right space,” concludes Shabba. “We are fit and are looking forward to the game.”

Tickets are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. R40 for adults and R80 for the west stands. Children pay R10 to enter.