Jam packed fixtures ahead for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs will be playing some 17 matches in the following two months and will be experiencing a tough work load.
JOHANNESBURG – “We have our work cut out for us and it is a nightmare to schedule 17 matches in the following two months,” said Head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Stuart Baxter at Kaizer Chiefs Village Press Conference on Monday January 20.
“We will be planning to the best of our ability and manage the players accordingly. Sundowns will be first on our list and onwards we will have to coach and train to the best of our ability.
“I can only say that the call-up of our players to the Bafana Bafana CHAN competition did disrupt our planning. We will also be looking at the physical and mental state of all the players when doing our selection.”
Commenting on signing up new member George Maluleka, he said, ”He has put himself firmly in the box for selection and is working very hard.”
The 2012/13 PSL and the 2013 Nedbank Champions made their intentions known for the second half of the PSL ABSA league, as well as representing South Africa in the 2014 CAF Champions League.
“We want to win the CAF trophy,” said Football Manager Bobby Motuang. “We will also be defending the trophies the team has won in 2013 and participate in the 2014 CAF Champions League.”
Motaung has confirmed the arrival of George Maluleka, a 25-year-old from SuperSport United.
“Maluleka has signed a three year contract. The Amakhosi have also signed the 29-year-old Katlego Mphela on a three year pre-contract. Mphela is scheduled to start his journey as a Glamour Boy from July 2014.
The Bafana Bafana International has his contract running out at Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2014. We are engaging with Sundowns to bring the player to Naturena during the window period,” said Motaung.
Meanwhile, the following players extended their stay with the Soweto Giants:
1. Erick Mathoho (2017)
2. Willard Katsande (2017)
3. Tsepo Masilela (2016 with an option to extend for a further one year to 2017)
The Head Coach Stuart Baxter has also extended his stay with the Glamour Boys with a further two years to June 2016.
Sthembiso Ngcobo was transferred to Bidvest Wits in an outright sale agreement. The striker joined Chiefs from Free State Stars in 2010 and was on a one year loan at Amazulu.
Lehlohonolo Majoro has refused to sign an extension to his contract that is due to end June 2014 with the Amakhosi. “I have seen Majoro at the Pirates game on Saturday and think that he made his intention clear,” said Motuang. Majoro is currently following a prescribed individual training programme. Several Clubs are said to have interest in his services, but no agreement has been reached with any Club yet. Orlando Pirates’ interest has been raised and the Club awaits a formal engagement with Pirates.
Head Coach Stuart Baxter expressed the readiness of his Team. “We have been training here at home and played some friendly games. We enter every tournament with the aim to win and that’s our onset ambition. This year has been extraordinary in terms of planning due to a number of factors, but we have planned as much as we could so far. We will have the four National Team players back at training,” said Baxter.
George Maluleka said, “I am happy to be here. I have been welcomed with warmth and I feel at home. It has been great so far.”
The Amakhosi have confirmed that they have accepted the offer from SK Slavia Prague of the Czech Republic for the services of the fullback Keegan Ritchie. The move will take effect as soon as the player has agreed on personal terms and signed with SK Slavia. The 23-year-old Ritchie joined the Amakhosi in 2011 from Moroka Swallows.
Chiefs’ first game after the festive season plus the CHAN break is a trip to Tshwane to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the much-awaited top of the table Absa Premiership clash. The rescheduled fixture will be played on Thursday January 23. Kick-off at Loftus Versfeld Stadium is at 19:30.
On injuries, Reneilwe Letsholonyane has resumed full training with the squad after suffering a knee injury when Chiefs beat Golden Arrows, 1-0, in Durban on December 19. Captain Itumeleng Khune was reported injured in Bafana Bafana’s Group a CHAN game against Mali on January 15. The Club will assess the extent of his ankle injury when he reports at the Club on Tuesday January 21.
The Amakhosi have 25 players registered to take part in the CAF Champions League. Chiefs open their CAF campaign against Black Africa from Namibia. The game against the Namibians is scheduled for Saturday February at FNB Stadium. Kick=off for the clash is 20:00.
CAF Champions League, registered players: Reyaad Pieterse; Willard Katsande; Erick Mathoho; Lucky Baloyi; Siboniso Gaxa; Reneilwe Letsholonyane; Kingston Nkhatha; Siyabonga Nkosi; Knowledge Musona; Itumeleng Khune; George Maluleka; Siphiwe Tshabalala; Brilliant Khuzwayo; George Lebese; Kgotso Moleko; Morgan Gould; Mathew Rusike; Mandla Masango; Tefu Mashamaite; Peter Masilela; Bernard Parker; Lorenzo Gordinho; Philani Cele; Simphiwe Mtsweni; Ivan Bukenya.
