Kaizer Chiefs have literally stepped into the furnace upon arrival in Morocco ahead of their much-anticipated CAF Champions League final against Egyptians giants Al Ahly on Saturday evening.
Chiefs departed on a charter flight from a bitterly cold OR Tambo in Johannesburg via Nigeria enroute to a steaming Casablanca.
“We do feel the vibe. There were people waiting for us at the airport, so we can feel the vibe. Playing a final where there is no supporters is not something we are going to get used to because football is a game that the supporters needs to be there for us to feel the atmosphere,” he said.
We are on our way to Morocco 🇲![CDATA[]]>🇦 to fly the South African 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 flag high. Our hearts remain with our loved ones and with South Africa during this difficult time.
Love and Peace ❤✌🏿#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/YaxqTgTtiW
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 14, 2021
“So playing the final without them is not great because when you have supporters after every attempt, maybe regaining the ball, there will be a crowd who will cheer, and that makes you want to do better. So without the supporters it won’t be easy but we will work extra hard.”
Mashiane knows the entire Mzansi will be cheering Chiefs on in the final regardless of local affiliations and domestic rivalries, but he wants to bring the trophy home to one special person.
“We have worked very hard to reach the final. We now just need to work extra hard. We promise many many people that we’re going to take this thing back home. We will work extra hard,” he said.
“But before I left South Africa I was on a call with my mum and I promised her I will do my best and make her proud. I promised her I will bring it home and I need to make sure I keep my promise.”
@ZaahierAdams