“We have to win this one,” assures Kaizer Chiefs’ hard-tackling midfielder Willard Katsande. “It’s time to climb up the ladder. To get back to where we belong we have to win games.”

The Zimbabwean midfielder is fresh from a festive break: “My holiday was quite good. It was short, but it was worthwhile to spend time with the family back in Mutare.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Absa Premiership clash against log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Katsande says: “The break didn’t affect us that much. We are professionals and we knew what to do to stay tuned during the break. And, don’t forget we closed 2015 with a morale boosting 2-1 win over Bidvest Wits. So we just have to continue from where we left it.”

Against the Clever Boys, Katsande scored the opener with a well-taken scorcher of a penalty kick. Reflecting on that massive goal, he reflects: “I stepped-up the moment we got that penalty. With all my experience gained over the past years, I think the time has come to take some responsibility in the team.”

The Sundowns encounter will take place on Saturday, 9 January 2016, at FNB Stadium.

Katsande adds: “That’s our home game. We have to win to gain the three points at stake. Of course, we also play to preserve our pride.”

Kick-off for the match is at 20:15, while gates open at 17:00. “Beating Sundowns will mean that we collect three and they will lose out on three. So this is a six pointer of a match,” stresses Katsande, clearly Driven to Excel.

Tickets are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. Cost of stand ticket is R40 and R30 for parking ticket.