Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has revealed why it feels right that they will end their trophy drought during the 2023/24 season.
They are currently in Tanzania to play Young Africans in an international friendly match against Young Africans this Saturday.
The Soweto giants are yet to account for any major cup title in eight years. Chiefs last won a title back in 2015 under Stuart Baxter as they blew away the competition in a record-breaking PSL season.
Last season, they struggled to maintain a serious title challenge as Mamelodi Sundowns once again claimed the title.
Orlando Pirates claimed the MTN8 Cup and the Nedbank Cup, with the Naturena-based club ending the season in fifth position.
However, this time around, captain Itumeleng Khune feels their fortunes will change for the better.
The veteran goalkeeper is confident the team’s new signings are good enough to help them end their drought.
They will be tested in the much-awaited international friendly match against Tanzanian giants, Young Africans.
WHY KHUNE IS CONFIDENT ABOUT THIS SEASON
“Kaizer Chiefs is a big club in South Africa. It has a rich history of winning cups in the country.
“And it’s not fair that for the past eight years, we haven’t been delivering as expected from us.
“But I think, with the quality we brought in, next season, I think we will challenge for big trophies next season,” Khune said during a press conference in Dar es Salaam.
So far, Kaizer Chiefs have added seven new highly rated players ahead of the 2023/24 season.
They signed Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Given Msimango, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edson Castillo, Pule Mmodi, Tebogo Potsane and Ranga Chivaviro.
It remains to be seen if they will add more players, but captain Itumeleng Khune is impressed by how they reinforced their arsenal.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEATING YANGA
Ahead of the Young Africans clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Khune is hoping they set the tone by beating the Tanzanians.
It will be an opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs fans to see their team play for the first time under new coach Molefi Ntseki.
“Coming to Tanzania is always great for us because, as a team, there are certain goals we want to achieve.
“We want to compete in the Champions League, and we were here not so long ago, playing against Simba.
“Now we are back, playing against Yanga. As players, we are excited to play in such a game.
“So we did our homework on Yanga. We know, they have been dominating in the past seasons, but once we get on the pitch, we are here to win.
“We are going to make our coach and nation proud. They competed in the CAF Confederations Cup final last season. We watched and we know all about them,” Khune added.
RELATED STORY: Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki sets lofty goals
