Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango has expressed his determination to help the club regain its former glory by securing a top-eight finish and return to continental football in the upcoming season.
After a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, the club’s worst-ever season, Chiefs finished 10th in the league. Msimango emphasised that he and his teammates are focused on redemption.
Msimango, who joined the Soweto giants in 2022, acknowledged the pressure to restore pride to the club and bring them back to CAF football.
Amakhosi last participated in the CAF Champions League in 2021, when they made a historic run to the final but lost 3-0 to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly.
The team is now eager to make a strong comeback and challenge for continental honors once again.
“Kaizer Chiefs is a massive institution it deserves to be playing across all competitions from Caf (Champions League) to MTN8,” Msimango said.
“So, there’s been a huge disappointment for us for not making those. But we aim to rectify them and work hard to improve on our past transgressions and do better as a team.”
The 27-year-old centre-back has also shared their purpose to begin the Betway Premiership season on a positive note, with the team’s opening match against Marumo Gallants scheduled for Saturday at 17:30.
The former TS Galaxy captain highlighted the importance of a strong start in their first five games, as it will help the team build momentum moving forward in the competition.
“A good start to the league is very important you hear the cliches that ‘is not how you start, is how you finish’.
“But when it comes to Kaizer Chiefs I think it’s very important for us to start on a good note to set the tone very high for ourselves.
“Give ourselves momentum for the next block of games in the month of September. I think we are playing four or five (games) if I’m not mistaken.
“So, how you start, if you start well, you are more likely to gain some momentum and get some good results.
“And the following games to come, so, that is the goal for us. Having a good start is very important and that will come with good energy, we need to have good energy before the game, a good mindset, focus, and the results will come.”
Chiefs’ first five games will see them going up against Gallants, AmaZulu, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Magesi FC.
Here at the @KaizerChiefs village in Naturena to get a glimpse of the team's training.
— Tiisetso Malepa (@TiisetsoMalepa) September 11, 2024
Chiefs are preparing for their opening match of the 2024/25 season away to @_Marumogallants at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.@City_Press pic.twitter.com/yyW7puKmNt
