On how pre-season has gone ahead of league opener against Chippa:

We are thankful that we managed to go through our pre-season without major injuries. And those who got injured last year, we had time to work on them from a medical point of view. We are happy to see all of them being available, except for Keagan Dolly, who is still nursing an ACL injury. When it comes to the last preparation stage ahead of starting the season, the whole team - players and technical team - we are focused, we are ready. This is the right time for us to implement what we have been working on.

Impression of the Kaizer Chiefs squad as the season kicks off:

The most important thing is what I see on the faces of the players and the commitment that I see at training since we started the pre-season, and on the last day of preparation before the start of the season. They are looking forward to the first game of the season and they are very focused. The most important thing is being calm and going out there and representing the badge, knowing very well they are not just playing for the club, they are playing for the management of the club and the supporters, and they are also playing for their families. When I look at their faces and their commitment on the pitch, I can they see they are ready and we are very positive about the performance tomorrow against Chippa.

On what to make of Chippa United:

Chippa have a new coach and they have got some new players. It’s the first game of the season, so everyone will be coming with whatever they’ve been working on from the pre-season. I think, though, on the mental side in terms of us reading the game from the first to the last minute, we are ready for that. Whatever tactical changes will be made by the opposition’s technical team, we are ready to provide answers.

On the strength and depth of the Chiefs squad:

From our side in addition to those that are starting, we have a very good bench that will be able to come in and give their all. We can only project positive results tomorrow against Chippa.

On how important the first game of the season is for the Club:

The first game is very important. As much as we may not be 100 percent, the first foot you put forward is important and the rest will follow. Putting in a good performance and getting a good result will be very important in helping us in building our confidence and having the right mentality going into the next four matches, including the cup games.

Tickets for the match are available online at www.ticketpros.co.za or through TicketPro outlets including Spar and Boxer supermarkets, Sasol and Shell filling stations, as well as Postnet outlets.

Amakhosi’s first DStv Premiership game of the season kicks off at 15:00 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday 6 August and will be broadcast live on DStv on SuperSport 202.