Kaizer Chiefs will walk into Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday carrying something they have not enjoyed for a long time — freedom.
But for a few Amakhosi stars, the final Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United could mean far more than just another league game. It could be their final chance to prove Hugo Broos right.
Chiefs have four players in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary World Cup squad. Lebohang Maboe, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane, and Brandon Petersen are all expected to report for national team camp on Monday.
With Broos preparing to trim the squad further before the tournament, Saturday’s match offers one last audition under pressure.
Amakhosi have already secured third place and booked their spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. That has removed the pressure from their final fixture, allowing the players to express themselves freely.
Maboe says the mood inside the camp remains positive as Chiefs look to finish strongly.
“Preparations are going very well,” said Maboe. “We are looking forward to our last game with the aim of finishing the season on a high.”
The midfielder has played a major role in the Chiefs’ revival this season after joining the club ahead of the campaign.
Following last season’s disappointment, where they finished outside the Top 8, Amakhosi bounced back and re-established themselves among the league’s top sides.
“I am very proud of the work we have been putting in,” Maboe added.
Chiefs expect a difficult challenge against Chippa United, who are not completely safe from relegation.
“They are quite a direct team, but we have identified areas we can exploit,” he said.
Now, with a packed Moses Mabhida expected, Chiefs want to give the Khosi Nation one final reason to celebrate, while some players fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive.