SOUTH Africa: Willard Katsande is mindful Kaizer Chiefs’ fans are hurting and says the Macufe Cup offers the team a chance to refine their game ahead of matches with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs are smarting following a 2-1 loss to Baroka in Durban, with coach Steve Komphela needing a police escort after the contest as missiles rained down at Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend.
Amakhosi, in sixth spot on the table with nine points from seven fixtures, will visit Celtic in the annual Macufe Cup at Free State Stadium on Sunday.
Komphela’s men will next tackle Sundowns and arch-rivals Pirates on October 17 and 21 after the FIFA international break.
“We are professionals enough to realise that our supporters are not happy with our current league form,” Katsande is quoted as saying on his club’s website.
“This match will give us another opportunity to sample some of the tactics, as we prepare for our upcoming league matches.”
Chiefs have won the Macufe Cup five times since its inception in 2004, beating Phunya Sele Sele 4-1 last year.
“Chiefs have a rich history of winning trophies,” added Katsande. “We go into any match with the history of the club in mind. Walking through the tunnel in the gold and black colours is a privilege. On Sunday, that same attitude will continue.”
Katsande expects Siwelele to be highly motivated after edging wavering Premiership champions Bidvest Wits 1-0 in their previous outing.
“We are aware that they won their last match in the league. They will be motivated coming into the game on Sunday. However, make no mistake, when it comes to Chiefs, the next match is what is important. We want to give our supporters something to cheer about and take back home.”

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