Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Kaizer Chiefs are expecting one of the stiffest battles when they host Thanda Royal Zulu in an Absa Premiership game at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria tomorrow night - 8pm kickoff.

Amakhosi manager Bobby Motaung said they were expecting a tough game, because they were meeting a completely different Thanda Royal side.

"But our boys are geared up and the pre-season training camp did extremely well for us.

"Although they struggled a bit last season, we need to be on our toes for one of the greatest fights of our careers."

Chiefs will be without Kaizer Motaung junior, who is injured and striker Jose Torealba, who is suspended. But they can still turn to the likes of Gert Schalkwyk, Thuso Phala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Valery Nahayo.

Royal Zulu coach Johann Eriksson said were well prepared and injury free.

"We've been able to study Chiefs during pre-season games. We've spotted their strengths and weaknesses... We have a completely new team and we believe that we'll do well in the league this season," he said.

The coastal side will rely on Norman Smith, who is back from injury, Bernard Parker, July Mahlangu and Felix Obada.