“We want to keep winning,” says Camaldine Abraw ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ Absa Premiership clash against Maritzburg United at Pietermaritzburg’s Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 18:00).

In Amakhosi’s last game before the Fifa-break, Orlando Pirates was beaten on penalties in the Telkom Knockout semifinal.

Abraw left after that encounter to Togo for two World Cup qualifiers. Amazingly, Uganda beat the West African giants 4-0 on aggregate, which means that Togo is out of the qualifying race for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“It’s a disappointment that we are out,” reflects Abraw. “However, that’s how soccer is. As professionals, we have learnt to separate the national team and the club. I have had a set-back with Togo, but I am now back at Chiefs.”

The Togolese striker has started in five league matches so far, coming on once as a substitute and scoring one goal.

During the absence of Abraw and some other Amakhosi internationals – George Lebese, Erick Mathoho (both South Africa) and Ivan Bukenya (Uganda) – Steve Komphela has been working hard with the squad.

“As footballers who played for their country, we just have to follow the new tactics that the coach has introduced during our absence,” explains Abraw. “We are ready for the game against Maritzburg United and we will be looking for the three points.”

Chiefs are at present in fifth position with 17 points from ten games, while the Team of Choice are in 16th position having collected only four points.