SOWETO rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will give their fans an early appetiser to the coming season when they meet in the Carling Black Label Cup at a sold-out FNB Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm).
Chiefs will arrive at the venue desperate to dispel the notion that they have a thin squad that could struggle to keep up with the challenges of the domestic topflight following limited activity in the transfer market.
A creditable showing against the old enemy tomorrow may go some way towards reassuring skeptical fans and lift spirits ahead of a season they are expected to go toe-to-toe with Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, BidVest Wits and SuperSport United in the marathon that is the league campaign.
Despite persisting doubts, Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune insisted yesterday that they have a squad good enough to challenge for all four competitions.
"The expectations are high at Chiefs, we are always expected to win," Khune said. "The team that we have will deliver. We are working hard to lay a solid foundation for the season. We also have new players on board with PSL experience, Siphelele Mthembu and Levy Mokgothu. There are some exciting youngsters that have been promoted."
The fans selected the starting line-ups by casting votes.
Khune declared Chiefs intention to retain the cup.
"It's our title and it will remain here in Naturena," he said. "We want to show that we are serious about success in the new season.
"The supporters have spoken by selecting their players, now it's for us to deliver."
Striker Lehlohonolo Majoro scored the winning goal while he was in Chiefs colours last year and he could become the first player to win this off-season tournament with two clubs if Pirates triumph tomorrow.
"We are ready for Chiefs, it will be a tough one as always but we are going for a win," said Majoro.
Stage set for epic derby - Majoro, Khune confident
SOWETO rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will give their fans an early appetiser to the coming season when they meet in the Carling Black Label Cup at a sold-out FNB Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm).
Chiefs will arrive at the venue desperate to dispel the notion that they have a thin squad that could struggle to keep up with the challenges of the domestic topflight following limited activity in the transfer market.
A creditable showing against the old enemy tomorrow may go some way towards reassuring skeptical fans and lift spirits ahead of a season they are expected to go toe-to-toe with Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, BidVest Wits and SuperSport United in the marathon that is the league campaign.
Despite persisting doubts, Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune insisted yesterday that they have a squad good enough to challenge for all four competitions.
"The expectations are high at Chiefs, we are always expected to win," Khune said. "The team that we have will deliver. We are working hard to lay a solid foundation for the season. We also have new players on board with PSL experience, Siphelele Mthembu and Levy Mokgothu. There are some exciting youngsters that have been promoted."
The fans selected the starting line-ups by casting votes.
Khune declared Chiefs intention to retain the cup.
"It's our title and it will remain here in Naturena," he said. "We want to show that we are serious about success in the new season.
"The supporters have spoken by selecting their players, now it's for us to deliver."
Striker Lehlohonolo Majoro scored the winning goal while he was in Chiefs colours last year and he could become the first player to win this off-season tournament with two clubs if Pirates triumph tomorrow.
"We are ready for Chiefs, it will be a tough one as always but we are going for a win," said Majoro.
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