Chiefs promise Bay fans early Christmas treat

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs will be banking on the support of their Port Elizabeth fans to help carry them through to the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup next week.

The Glamour Boys confirmed on Monday they would contest their preliminary round fixture of the tournament against Zanzibar’s Zimamoto at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday (7.30pm) next week.

Chiefs’ management said the team would be giving their beloved Bay supporters an early Christmas treat and have promised to deliver a spectacular performance on match day.

“People in PE can expect fireworks. We are coming there with all guns blazing,” Chiefs corporate communications manager Vina Maphosa said.

“It is our aim to advance to the first round as this is a preliminary round. We will be playing in front of big support in PE and obviously they will push us to win the match.

“We are inviting everybody to come and see the best of Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.

Maphosa said Chiefs were bringing the fixture to Port Elizabeth because of the fanatical support they enjoy in the Bay.

“PE people also travel to Johannesburg and Durban to come watch Kaizer Chiefs, so they deserve something.

“The build-up for the game will be announced in due course. We are now busy with our big match coming up this weekend in the Telkom Knockout semifinal against Orlando Pirates.”

Amakhosi will have just three days to rest before they take on Zimamoto.

Soon after that – on December 1 – they will travel to the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban to play Amazulu in a league match.

“Due to the schedule, we are coming to PE under pressure, but the main event will be a true spectacle on Wednesday.”

The NMB Stadium will be abuzz with soccer action next week.

Two days after the Confederation Cup match, Chippa United will host Usuthu in an Absa Premiership fixture.

NMB Stadium manager Mpho Mokonyama said they were thrilled to host another sport-filled week.

“The focus is always on improving the quality of events delivered at the stadium.

“This forms a large part of our mandate and we are ecstatic to be able to deliver entertaining sports across two major popular soccer leagues. Both Chiefs and Zimamoto have produced incredible quality and skill during their past performances, ensuring an exhilarating mid-week clash.

“Fans should not abandon their traditional teams but should support the South African-based outfit against visiting teams.

“Sports fanatics are urged to come in their numbers, cheer and show support to the teams and fill up the stands,” he said.

Mokonyama said other major sporting tournaments were lined up at the stadium for the remainder of the year.

The stadium will also host the Telkom Knockout Cup on December 8.