Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs will try to ensure that clubs who play them on their home ground this season are in for a difficult time, captain Itumeleng Khune said on Thursday.
"We can't have that kind of situation like last season where a club comes to our home ground and disrespects us like they did," Khune said in Johannesburg ahead of their clash at the FNB Stadium.
With the pre-season preparations tied up, Chiefs are set to begin their campaign on Sunday with a MTN8 encounter against Mpumalanga Black Aces, a club that had been a bogey side in the past.
"Last season we went to Aces in the first leg and got the win. In the second leg they came to our turf and beat us.
"Clubs that come and play us need to feel that they are in for a tough time."
The MTN8 affords Chiefs the opportunity to end their season-long drought, having finished the previous campaign with nothing to show for their efforts.
However, last year Aces snatched a 1-0 victory over Chiefs, a result which virtually handed the Premiership to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper said he was certain Chiefs would add silverware to the trophy cabinet this season.
"I don't go into the season with a mentality that we won't win anything," he said.
"Every time we as players put on that Chiefs jersey we know that we must win and keep the fans happy.
"Last season we had a good run up until we lost a number of key players which in the end affected our season ambitions."
Amakhosi, the most successful club in the MTN8 tournament's history with 14 titles, would be looking to break their six-year drought in the competition, having last won it in 2008.
"As a big club we are always expected to do well. It's a new season and we are aiming to do well.
"We have promised the fans that we will win every major competition possible and we don't plan to disappoint them again."
Khune believed the new signings would have a meaningful contribution towards the club fulfilling its aspirations.
Chiefs have bolstered their squad so far in the transfer window with the signing of Levy Mokgothu, Siphelele Mthembu, Ovidy Karuru, and Phakamani Mngadi.
"We have made good signings that will help us to succeed. The new players have blended well, into the squad and everyone is motivated and on their toes. Our players are hungrier than ever to succeed."
Chiefs have been hit by a spate of injuries which include midfielder Simphiwe Tshabalala, and strikers Bernard Parker and Kingston Nkatha.
