Tsepo Masilela is looking forward to Kaizer Chiefs’ first league game at home this season, the game is against Free State Stars on Saturday evening.

The left-back is eager to see the Amakhosi faithful turn up in numbers: “It is nice to play in front of a packed stadium. When we play away, the support has been great. I hope that they will now fill the FNB Stadium on Saturday night as well.”

The 30-year-old was selected for the Bafana Bafana squad to face Mauritania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday, 5 September.

Masilela’s first focus, however, is on Saturday’s league match against Ea Lla Koto. It will be Chiefs’ fourth official game of the season, after beating Maritzburg United 5-3 at home (MTN8 quarterfinal) and two draws against Chippa United 0-0 away (league) and Bloemfontein Celtic 1-1 away (MTN8, first leg, semifinal).

Last season, Chiefs conceded 14 goals in 30 league games. But the team has this season already conceded four goals in three matches, even though that includes two MTN8 matches.

“We did well in the games we played so far,” comments Masilela. “We created a lot of chances. For sure, we conceded a lot of goals, but conceding goals is not only about the defence. We still have to improve in all departments.”

“I agree, however, that we could have done better defensively, especially as a good defence helps you win championships. We just have to work hard to not concede.”

Chiefs and Free State Stars have faced each other 31 times since the introduction of the PSL in 1996. Amakhosi have won 20 of these matches, while only losing three (eight finished in a draw). At home, Chiefs have lost a sole clash to Ea Lla Koto, while 11 were won (out of 16 matches played).

“There are no easy games in the PSL,” Masilela reacts. “As a team, we want to pick up the pace, because we want to start the season strong, above all at home.”

The clash between Amakhosi and Free State Stars will be played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, 22 August (kick-off at 20:15).

We encourage our supporters to buy their tickets at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. Tickets cost R40 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 12. Parking can be bought for R20.