Unity vital, says Chiefs’ Maluleke
CONFEDERATION CUP: ‘WE HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER’
Free State Stars relocate to Bidvest Stadium for their tie.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleke, who has weathered some storms and also celebrated a lot of good times with Amakhosi, has called for the team to stick together and forge forward following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in a Telkom Knockout semifinal last weekend.
“We have to stick together. We have another match on Wednesday (tonight) and that’s what we need to focus on,” Maluleka told the club’s official website.
Chiefs will have to put behind them last weekend’s mess as they begin their Caf Confederation Cup campaign this evening when they host Zanzibar’s Zimamoto FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (7.30pm).
The Glamour Boys have been accused previously of not taking continental competitions seriously as they have been repeatedly knocked out in the early stages and by teams from smaller nations not known for their football prowess. But it will be different this time, Maluleka promised.
“All games are important,” said Maluleka “That is because that’s the culture of our club. We want to do well in Africa. It will be a step up for us. It’s important for the club to succeed in Africa. Kaizer Chiefs are one of the biggest clubs in Africa and that comes with responsibilities,” said the Tembisa-born former SuperSport United and Ajax Cape Town midfield grafter.
Maluleka said they are banking on the crowd who are expected at the Port Elizabeth venue as Chiefs always enjoy incredible support whenever they play in that part of the country.
“We haven’t played in PE for a while. We are looking forward to playing in front of our supporters there, who always give us good support. They usually come in numbers and I hope it will be the same,” said the 28-year-old.
Free State Stars have meanwhile also promised to give their all as they begin their Confederation Cup run against Rwanda’s Mukura Victory Sports at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg instead of their regular home ground in Bethlehem.
Ea Lla Koto agreed to use an alternative venue to save their visitors a trip to Bethlehem and have shown good sportsmanship as they sent a delegation to welcome Victory Sports at the OR Tambo Airport on Monday.