Posted in News, Team News on Aug 03, 2018.
“The start of the new season is always exciting,” says Willard Katsande ahead of Saturday’s Absa Premiership fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns. “We are in a good space and we are clear about our goals this season. It promises to be an exhilarating game, both for us players and the spectators.”
Kaizer Chiefs started pre-season well, winning the Maize Cup, but since booked two losses, against Mamelodi Sundowns (Shell Helix Ultra Cup) and Cape Town City (Mpumalanga Cultural Experience Cup). The midfielder, however, is not worried. “Those results could have been better, but we have been polishing our game, working hard at training and are ready to face Sundowns.”
Amakhosi beat the Brazilians 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld last season, thanks to goals from Siyabonga Ngezana and Bernard Parker. The two sides played to a goalless draw at FNB Stadium early this year.
“We have been good visitors when playing at Loftus,” Katsande comments, “and they know that. But they deserve our respect. It will be a new ball game and in the end it will all be about who wants it more.”
The Brazilians are the reigning league champions, while Amakhosi finished last season in third position. “We might have preferred not to face the reigning champions in the first game of the season,” the 32-year-old midfielder admits, “but it doesn’t matter. We would have to play them sooner or later anyway.”
Katsande feels optimistic about the new season: “We have turned the corner. We are hungry and everybody is set for the season to kick off. We want to start the season on the front foot and we will therefore be looking for three points.”
Tickets for the opening game of this season’s Absa Premiership that will take place at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld at 15:00 are available at TicketPro outlets nationwide at R40 for adults and R20 for children.
Kaizer Chiefs started pre-season well, winning the Maize Cup, but since booked two losses, against Mamelodi Sundowns (Shell Helix Ultra Cup) and Cape Town City (Mpumalanga Cultural Experience Cup). The midfielder, however, is not worried. “Those results could have been better, but we have been polishing our game, working hard at training and are ready to face Sundowns.”
Amakhosi beat the Brazilians 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld last season, thanks to goals from Siyabonga Ngezana and Bernard Parker. The two sides played to a goalless draw at FNB Stadium early this year.
“We have been good visitors when playing at Loftus,” Katsande comments, “and they know that. But they deserve our respect. It will be a new ball game and in the end it will all be about who wants it more.”
The Brazilians are the reigning league champions, while Amakhosi finished last season in third position. “We might have preferred not to face the reigning champions in the first game of the season,” the 32-year-old midfielder admits, “but it doesn’t matter. We would have to play them sooner or later anyway.”
Katsande feels optimistic about the new season: “We have turned the corner. We are hungry and everybody is set for the season to kick off. We want to start the season on the front foot and we will therefore be looking for three points.”
Tickets for the opening game of this season’s Absa Premiership that will take place at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld at 15:00 are available at TicketPro outlets nationwide at R40 for adults and R20 for children.
