THERE is a new air of optimism sweeping through Naturena.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela and his players will take that optimism into tomorrow’s annual Carling Black Label Champion Cup clash with their traditional enemies, Orlando Pirates, at a sold-out FNB Stadium (3pm).
Said Komphela: “There is no such thing as a friendly between Pirates and Chiefs. There is a lot of expectation and we’re ready. The supporters demand quality and hopefully we can give them that.”
Komphela’s men have played a number of practice matches, but the coach noted: “That is not the same as a competitive match against Pirates. We’ve looked good in pre-season friendly games but this Soweto derby will show us what we need to fix before the new season starts in three weeks.”
Amakhosi midfield dynamo Willard Katsande will be at the heart of the action, playing a key role in midfield.
He said “We go into the Pirates game with a positive approach. We owe it to everyone to give 100% effort.”
Katsande expects Bucs to come out fighting: “They will not be easy opponents.”
