adminMAMELODI Sundowns star Khama Billiat says these are exciting times at Chloorkop as the CAF Champions League title contenders won the Dr Hage Geingob Cup for the third time in a row on the weekend.
The Absa Premiership and Telkom Knock-out champions beat Namibia’s United Africa Togers 4-2 in the final of the annual pre-season showpiece in Windhoek on Sunday.
Pitso Mosimane’s side, who are in the semi-finals of the Champions League, saw off local rivals Orlando Pirates in the last four the day before at the Independence Stadium.
“I get very excited when the team plays well and get the results, even if I don’t score. For me having a good game and contributing positively is all that matters,” Billiat told Downs’ website.
“There’s a lot to be excited about at Sundowns, apart from defending the Hage Geingob Cup, the team is playing well and the team chemistry is growing match by match. Even when there are new players being introduced in the setup, the understanding amongst players is consistent.”
The PSL Player of the Season says thorough preparation and focus accounted for their success against Tigers and Bucs.
“We never underestimate any of our opponents. We prepare thorough and do our match analysis regardless of the opposition. The same amount of work that was put in preparing for Orlando Pirates was the same when we were preparing for final against Tigers FC.”
The Zimbabwean attacker added: “Tigers were not an easy side because they made us sweat for the victory. Whenever we thought we had them they came right back, which is a sign of a strong team. Besides we were up against the reigning Namibian League champions.”
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Willard Katsande has vowed to work harder on his penalty-taking after missing his kick in the F.A.M.E Charity Cup final against Baroka FC.
Katsande, who skippered the team in Polokwane on Saturday, had his spot-kick saved by Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, who went on to save from William Twala and George Maluleka as Bakgaga lifted the pre-season trophy.
The defensive midfielder was Chiefs’ joint-second top scorer last season with seven goals, having netted four league goals from the spot.
“The penalty kicks were a big disappointment, for the team and also for me personally, as the captain on the day. I take responsibility and will work on it,” Katsande tells the club’s website.
However, the experienced Zimbabwean midfielder is not reading too much into the result of the Polokwane tournament at this stage of the year.
“We know results matter every time we play, but during pre-season we are testing a number of elements in the game. We are in a preparation phase for the start of the 2016-17 PSL season,” he explains.
“We are perfecting some of the tactics. We are also cautious not to give away much detail to the opponents at this stage of the pre-season.”
Katsande also admits there is a lot that Amakhosi can work on ahead of their first match of the season at Bidvest Wits on August 23.
“We had a few chances against Baroka to seal the match during the regulation time. We must fix that before the start of the season,” he adds.
“We are ready to kick off with the league programme. We can’t wait, because we are motivated to do well and give our supporters something to cheer about.” — KickOff
Online Reporter