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Kaizer Chiefs take the Caf Champions League very seriously, captain Tefu Mashamaite said before the team’s departure to Botswana today to meet Township Rollers in the second leg of their preliminary round tie in Gaborone tomorrow.Chiefs hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg at FNB Stadium.

Although Amakhosi have a big following in the northern neighbouring country, they can expect a hostile reception in a match where Rollers will be playing for a giant scalp.

Chiefs appeared distracted and unable to focus in the first leg, where Mashamaite’s injury-time goal saved the blushes of a home draw.

The captain was adamant Chiefs, not always enthusiastic in continental competition, are taking the Champions League seriously.

“We had a beautiful experience last year, playing in Mozambique, Namibia and DRC,” the centre-back said.

“It was a wake-up call to say there is an adventure here. We are playing different teams compared to the monotony of playing Free State Stars and so on.
“So we’re really relishing the challenge. We’re getting used to it. And I think just to debunk the myth, Chiefs like to play in the CAF Champions League.”

The slender scoreline has given Rollers some hope of an upset at home. Chiefs, though, had a good look at the Botswana champions in the first leg.

Chiefs will know that, as decently organised as coach Madinda Ndlovu’s side are, they are the better team if they can reach full flow. And Chiefs do have Mashamaite’s goal to thank for the lead.

Chiefs will be wise to keep a close eye on Rollers playmaker Boy Segolame, scorer of the Botswana side’s 47th-minute equaliser and a constant thorn to Chiefs’s defence.

For Chiefs, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune remains bruised after being stretchered off with a back injury in the Nedbank Cup win against Edu Sports on Saturday, but he will be available. Kickoff is 3pm. – Sowetan.