Two games; one win and one draw to start a new season is not bad at all! After suffering a torrent of abuse and negative condemnation of the pre-season preparation, I am sure we can now give due to those who deserve.

First, let us recognize the players who are still dedicated to maintaining their championship despite the often skeptic criticism from supporters and enemies alike. Secondly, to the coach and the entire technical crew who have had to deal with pressure to combine a winning team after a long period of rest.

Now the real business has begun and our Championship title is on the line here. All fifteen (15) Premiership Clubs would love to lay their hands on this formidable piece of silverware I see displayed in our cabinet.

A magazine showing our beloved Ntofontofo holding this beautiful cup graces my table each day to remind me of the glory days of the 2004/5 season. I believe we can hold onto it one more time! Yeah, go on and laugh – I am a Khosi 4 Life remember! Daaah!!!

For starters, our boys are performing despite all the odds stacked on them. Remember that there has been some positional and role changes in the middle and in the attacking front. Shongwe Chalwe has impressed with his renewed zeal and determination. 10111 Zwane is menacing in the flanks despite a nagging knee injury. The middle has seen Gert, Mbambo, Spencer, Ntokozo and Gerald Sibeko really working hard.

The gentle Mr. Fransman has made impressive attacking moves from the left whilst our number one keeper has towered in our defence. Shoes is blistering and so is Tsiki-Tsiki Yooo! C’mon, this is cool and it is just a matter of time before the boys jell into a mean machine. With the acquisition of the striking Agyemang and prospects of Mbesuma II, we are destined for greatness.

In East London we faced a determined Bush Bucks that really wanted to inflict an early pain. This turned out to be one game that we needed to have won with a much bigger margin. Chalwe hit the crossbar whilst Thabo tormented the keeper and their defence with two sure goals to indicate a gutsy performance and determination of the champions to retain their title. Frankly, it is a long road to take and things will mature with time.

Some critics say we almost lost to Free State Stars and we were merely helped by the veteran Shoes to salvage a point. Yeah! and so what? Truth is, Shoes delivered and obviously disappointed those who have written us off early in the season. The Charles Mopeli experience was cold, windy and wet! Thanks to our supporters who turned out in numbers to steer us on otherwise we could have been upset indeed.

Rowan pulled miraculous saves. We had one goal disallowed and some questionable refereeing decisions were entertained. Poor Siphiwe Mkhonza was concussed and was lifted out of play. He is fine now! In any case, whatever the judgment, the bottom line is that we haven’t lost any league match to show our true championship character.

The following week (August 17th) we are hosting Ajax for a mid-week encounter at FNB Stadium followed shortly by the Supa 8 clash against Celtic on the 20th. Surely we have a score to settle with these two outfits. I remember the 1-1 draw we endured against Ajax that almost derailed our winning streak to annex the 2004/5 Championship.

They were really intending to upset us and cause major emotional turmoil on our course particularly when they made those last minute attacks. I headed for my car for fear of witnessing our championship dream fade at the hands of these mean Capetonians. Well, this is a new season and they have another thing coming. Whereas beating Cosmos in their opening game has boosted their confidence, our lads are just not willing to succumb to their ferocity.

On the other hand, the Bloemfontein lads were equally determined to deny us the championship had we allowed their attackers to frequent our goalposts in the past season. So in essence, our week ahead is not going to be easy given the fighting spirit of the two teams. After-all, Celtics luckily bundled us out of the Telkom Charity and may come with blazing fire to upset us again. They had better watch out, we are not their punching bag nor are we too generous with our emotions!

The Amakhosi are fast finding their rhythm and will settle once the necessary loose ends are tightened. Watch out for the darting Agyemang and some mesmerizing wizardry from someone we are about to unleash. The Skhokho might be unleashed. Zwane is recovering from his troublesome knee. Chalwe will definitely emerge. Mr. Spencer is a marvel in the middle whilst the hard-working General still rules the turf. Need I say more?

Thanks to our supporters who have always stood by us through trying and dark times. I strongly believe your prayers will be answered and a feisty Kaizer Chiefs will once more put smiles on your faces. Hang in there; we have only just begun!

Thebe Mohatle (Mr)


Communications Manager/PRO


Khosi 4 Life!


thebe@kaizerchiefs.com