Molefi Ntseki has set lofty goals for himself and Kaizer Chiefs after taking over as head coach of the Soweto giants.
The former Bafana Bafana coach is aiming at bringing back the glory days to Chiefs, who have not won a major trophy since 2015.
Ntseki will guide his charges in an international friendly match against Young Africans at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday evening. Kick off is 18H00 [SA time].
MOLEFI NTSEKI LAYS OUT GOALS
Ahead of the tie, Ntseki highlighted how he would want to see the team venturing into the continent once again.
“We’re happy to be in Tanzania. As a club, we have been here before [playing Simba SC in the Champions League]. So it’s a home away from home.
“The preparations [for the new season] are going very well. We are happy with the preparations, and we are happy to be here,” he told journalists.
He believes the Yanga tie will help prepare the team for future continental tournaments. The Jangwani giants have won two successive trebles.
“Playing a team that has achieved a lot. It’ll be a good game for both teams in terms of preparing for the new season.”
However, Ntseki knows returning to the continent means Chiefs need to start winning trophies and the league.
“It’s a very good step that we’re taking to play outside the country so that we can have a feel of how it’s like if we are to win the league and play Champions League next season,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to having a strong team that will compete in the league, and if things go well, we’ll see ourselves competing in the Champions League.”
GAUGE THEIR READINESS
Chiefs started their pre-season in Nelspruit, stepping them up with a visit to Dar es Salaam. Next weekend they are off to Gaborone, where they take on Township Rollers on Saturday, 29 July 2023.
Ntseki said they had planned a six-week preparation which covered the physical aspects of the game and tactical preparation.
He is happy with how preparations have gone so far and will be able to gauge their readiness on Saturday night.
The club has also made several new signings, including Given Msimango, Pule Mmodi, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edson Castillo, Tebogo Potsane and Ranga Chivaviro.
The Soweto giants kick off their campaign with a tie against Chippa United on 5 August at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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