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Aaron Dube in Johannesburg, South Africa
KAIZER CHIEFS spokesperson Vina Maphosa believes that his team will do well in the Carling Black Label Cup that will be played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow.He said they are expecting to do it for their fans.

The Carling Black Label Cup is an annual cup match that is played by the two Soweto giants Chiefs and Orlando Pirates with the fans selecting the starting line ups and substitutes. An extra incentive for the fans is that one sits on either side to be part of the technical team on the day. Kaizer Chiefs are the defending champions though Pirates have won it twice.

Maphosa said: “We are more than prepared for the derby, for us this game will give us some guidelines of where we stand with our pre-season preparations. We are aware that the new season always comes up with new players and philosophy on the beautiful game.

“This is one of the games that we love to have before we start our Absa Premiership campaign even though the players are selected by the fans it does not matter. What’s important is that our players will be in a crucial game before we kick off the league games. Playing Pirates is always a challenge but our players are ready for the battle.”

Maphosa said one of the crowd favourites Siphiwe Tshabalala is sidelined by an injury which he sustained over the weekend when they beat Chippa United 4-2.

“We are happy that we have done all our preparations thoroughly and we need this cup at Naturena. All our players are ready and they want to win this trophy and emulate Pirates’ past achievements,” said Maphosa.

Some of Chiefs’  players – Itumeleng Khune, George Lebese, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Tefu Mashamaite and Katlego Mphela will be coached by fan, Tebogo Muleka and Pirates’ Senzo Meyiwa, Thabo Matlaba, Roy Mahamutsa, Oupa Manyisa, Kermit Erasmus, former Chiefs star Lehlohonolo Majoro will be under Cornelius Motsepe. Warriors striker Matthew Rusike might be on the bench.