Chiefs, Bucs hope for happy travels

KAIZER Chiefs and Orlando Pirates hope to come back to Gauteng three points richer by brushing aside Golden Arrows and Free State Stars in their respective Premiership fixtures tonight.

Amakhosi host winless Abafana Bes'thende at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, while Pirates will be in Namahadi, Free State, for a date with Stars at Charles Mopeli Stadium.

"It's always difficult playing against struggling clubs but one thing I can say is that Arrows must not expect favours from us," Chiefs general manager Bobby Motaung said. "We have to win at all costs to reclaim our top spot on the log and we go to this match motivated by our good showing in Polokwane. We have promised our fans that we will not let them down and so we will be looing at collecting three points."

Motaung was speaking to Sowetan after the launch of the yearly Macufe Cup in Mangaung yesterday where Chiefs will play against Bloemfontein Celtic on October 9.

"We are happy to be back in the Macufe Cup and it is good to be part of the rich history of the festival, which reflects our diversity," Motaung said. "We will bring our best players except for those who will be on national duty. The likes of Jimmy Tau, George Lebese, Mthokosizi Yende and Tlou Molekwane will be there."

Meanwhile, Arrows communications manager Vusi Vilakazi said: "Chiefs are a big club with excellent players but we hope to turn the corner from this match."

Pirates, meanwhile, will welcome defender Happy Jele back from suspension with Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Isaac Chansa returning from injury. "It's good to be back and I'm looking forward to contributing to the success of my club against Stars," said Chansa, who is still to feature for Pirates this season.

"We will come back with the three points," he said boldly.

Stars' general manager Rantsi Mokoena said: "We can't keep on being generous by donating points. It has to come to an end.

"We expect a full house, so people must buy tickets early to avoid disappointment."