Midfield kingpin Willard Katsande vows that Kaizer Chiefs are fully prepared to take on Free State Stars on Sunday.

“This is a different ball game,” says the Zimbabwean international. “It is a cup game and with one leg to be played there is no second chance.”

Amakhosi welcome Ea Lla Koto in a Telkom Knockout quarterfinal clash at their alternative home venue, Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 6 November (kick-off is at 15:00).

“Our aim is to progress to the next stage,” Katsande adds. “We have to apply ourselves and be on top form to beat Stars.”

Chiefs have already beaten Stars in the Absa Premiership, but they have since changed their coach with the Italian Giovanni Solinas returning in the hot seat.

“We are aware of the changes in their set-up,” Katsande continues. “Meanwhile, we are working very hard to convert chances on our side. We are creating enough goal scoring opportunities, but we are not putting them in the back of the net as much as we should. On Sunday, we must be on our front foot and take charge of the game from the word go.”

Katsande is aware of the danger the Qwaqwa-based team poses, given their surprise win over the inform Bidvest Wits in the previous Telkom Knockout round.

“Every time we play Stars its war,” says Katsande. “They will be coming with the aim of causing an upset. However, they must be warned. We are playing at home and in front of a large passionate crowd. We cannot put a foot wrong in this one. We must defend our territory.”

Chiefs have already played two league home fixtures in front of a near capacity crowd at Moses Mabhida.

Katsande comments: “The biggest thing for us is our supporters. They have been showing us love by attending our matches in Durban. We want to repay them with a win and a fine performance on Sunday.”

The Telkom Knockout quarterfinal fixture is again expected to be played in front of a large crowd at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 6 November. Tickets for the match are sold for R60 at Ticketpro. Ticketpro outlets are found nationwide at Jet, Jet Mart, CNA and Edgars stores.