Can Kaizer Chiefs bounce back in the Toyota Cup against Asante Kotoko, at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday?

Kaizer Chiefs are set to compete in the Toyota Cup over the weekend in Durban, and expectations are high for them to embody their vehicle sponsor’s signature trait – reliability.

Chiefs will face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the second edition of the Toyota Cup at city's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

The clash, initiated by the automotive brand, forms part of Chiefs’ efforts to intensify their preparations for the upcoming season.

As is customary with Chiefs' games in Durban, a good attendance is expected.

Supporters will be hoping the team uses the match effectively and delivers a performance that is both entertaining and clinical – one that sets a positive tone for the campaign ahead.

Last year, Amakhosi were beaten 4-0 by Young Africans of Tanzania in the inaugural edition of the Cup – a result that foreshadowed a disappointing season in which they only managed to lift the Nedbank Cup.

Chiefs’ commercial and marketing director, Jessica Motaung, underlined the importance of winning the fixture as the club looks to start the new season on a strong note.

“It’s very important for us to win the Toyota Cup – it stamps our authority on how we want the season to begin,” said Motaung.

“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves – we’ve chosen to play a team that’s hungry and competing in the Confederation Cup. So our troops are going to represent and claim our spot in Africa!”

Chiefs’ pre-season form has done little to inspire confidence, with the team losing four of their five training matches during their tour of the Netherlands.

Nonetheless, Motaung believes there were positives to take from the European trip, which the team hopes to build upon in Durban.

“I think it’s a great platform for the coaches to test the players again,” she said. “After the pre-season tour, there were a lot of exciting combinations the coaches picked up on.

“We’re looking forward to a great game away from home – and we’re excited to see our supporters come out in their numbers.”

Chiefs are pulling out all the stops to ensure they are ready for the new season, with a strong emphasis on consistency, purpose and identity at the club’s base in Naturena.

“We want to achieve complete success next season – that’s the vision, the language we are speaking, and how we are walking,” Motaung explained.

“We are saying to our supporters: walk this journey with us. Every game is about winning and making sure we are successful. We are doing it the Chiefs way!”

DAILY NEWS