Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela revealed that he tried to get some information out of Maritzburg United coach Mandla Ncikazi in the wee hours of the morning yesterday, but hit a brick wall.

Chatting to his friend and former colleague at around 1am over the phone, Komphela thought he'd get an idea of what Ncikazi has been doing with Maritzburg to prepare for the MTN8 quarterfinal clash between the two clubs at FNB Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm).

Ncikazi, who was Komphela's assistant at the Team of Choice, kept his cards close to his chest.

"Mandla is a scholar of the game. He is a former teacher and the background of structured learning helps him in coaching. I spoke to him at around 12.45am this morning [Monday]. I had no sense or feel of how they are going to set up, even though I tried my utmost best to get to an environment where he is likely to give away something. He gave away nothing."

Komphela, however, does not expect too many changes from the side he led to a top-eight finish for the first time last term.

"Their DNA cannot change overnight. We expect almost the [same] team that we saw last season. I know them in and out. I have got 80 percent information which is relevant on them. Their coach would obviously want to tweak one or two things. Whenever they play Chiefs they bring their A-game."

He is looking forward to a good start in his first official match, as Amakhosi look to defend their MTN8 title.

"We have to make sure that at home we give the performances and results that are required," he said.

"We are hungry and the players have shown a great desire to win it again. They have tasted victory and they know how it feels. We have to be equal to the task."

Amakhosi captain Siphiwe Tshabalala, meanwhile, said he was happy to see goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune back in the team.

"He is one of us and he grew up at Chiefs. We are just happy that everything will be back to normal," he said.