It is all systems go for Saturday’s inaugural Shell Helix Ultra Cup match at the FNB Stadium, featuring Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Having been in pre-season for the past three weeks, the teams will test themselves in a competitive match before the new league season starts in August.
Matches between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns often produce fireworks and there are never friendly matches between these two sides.
There is a lot at stake for both camps and their fans will also want the bragging rights over their rivals. It will be Khama Billiat’s first match for Chiefs and he says he cannot wait to face his former club.
“I have emotions for my team. We have to win. That’s all what I’m feeling right now. I have to do what I have to do to help the team to win and the rest it’s just football. At the end of the day people move, people stay and we are not in football for long. So, we have to do what we have to do”
Sundowns come into this match at the back off a loss in the Caf Champions League. They will head into this encounter with one eye on the second leg against AS Togo Port.
Coach Pitso Mosimane says that he does not understand how they lost that match.
“We missed a lot of chances. For me, it was one of the easiest games in the past five years. Probably, the players were complacent because they see it was so easy but that’s football for you. Ball possession doesn’t win you games but we have to win at home. Now, we are on the edge. We’ve got to win all the games at home.”
With only a few hours left before kick-off, ticket sales have picked up and SAIL’s Jaco Beukes expects a decent crowd.
“We certainly still do expect sales to climb up another 15-20% on the current numbers and we welcome and accept all the football fans here. So, come one come all. We are ready.”
Fans are urged to get to the stadium early and enjoy all the entertainment before kick-off which is at 3pm.
