Kaizer Chiefs begin campaign for 14th title

Kaizer Chiefs begin their 50th campaign in the Nedbank Cup this weekend, looking to renew their affinity with a competition they have won 13 times over the years.

WATCH | WEST HAM’S KURT ZOUMA KICKS CAT IN HORRIFIC ONLINE VIRAL VIDEO (WARNING)

Amakhosi first participated in this competition back in 1971, winning the inaugural competition, and have reached 19 finals in that period.

Kaizer Chiefs play their Round of 32 encounter against TS Galaxy on Saturday, 12 February at 18:00, with home ground advantage at the FNB Stadium against a team who denied them a 14th title in the 2019 final.

READ | WEST AFRICAN ‘MYSTERY’ STRIKER COULD STILL BE ON KAIZER CHIEFS’ RADAR

Defender Njabulo Blom knows it is going to take a huge effort to get past TS Galaxy and says Amakhosi are looking to put in the hard work to continue their proud history in the competition.

“We are working very hard leading up to this game. The guys are gelling well with the coaches and the technical team and our aim is to get to move beyond Saturday’s game and get into the next round,” Blom told the Kaizer Chiefs website.

A lifelong Kaizer Chiefs fan, Blom is desperate to be part of a generation that follows in the footsteps of successful past Amakhosi teams and bringing silverware to the club is a huge priority for him.

WATCH | SAAVEDRA RECEIVES WARM WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA

“Growing up and seeing Chiefs win trophies it was always my ambition to do the same. Surely I am not the only one who grew up supporting Chiefs and wanting to be here and winning trophies with the team. Now that I am here, it is something that I will work on with the guys to make our dreams come true,” says Blom.

Traditionally Kaizer Chiefs have been strong starters and have won 21 of their previous 24 round of 32 clashes since 1996/97 and they will be looking to get into the round of 16 for a 22nd time in 25 participations this weekend.

READ | KURT ZOUMA: IS KICKING A CAT BETTER – OR WORSE – THAN ACTS OF RACISM

Khama Billiat believes the team are in the right  frame of mind to do well in the Nedbank Cup.

“We have rested well and we have gotten enough time to boost our energy again,” said Billiat of the recent break Kaizer Chiefs had as a result of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“It’s a new campaign and we need to start strong. We need to make sure that we go through all the way and bring it home.”

Kaizer Chiefs last won the Nedbank Cup in the 2012/13 season

The Soweto giants, who last won the competition under the tutelage of current coach Stuart Baxter in 2012/13, will be aiming for a good start against TS Galaxy.

The current Amakhosi squad and technical team certainly know how to navigate their way in this competition and will be looking to use that experience.

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach, Arthur Zwane, won the cup as a player in the 2005/06 season when Amakhosi defeated arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final and the technical team will be looking to use all that experience and acumen to help Kaizer Chiefs launch a successful start in search of a 14th Nedbank Cup title.

READ | CHIEFS VS PSL: WORST-CASE SCENARIO COULD SEE AMAKHOSI LOSE CRUCIAL POINTS