The Executive Committee met to finalize decisions around the future of our Head Coach as a formal process during this time when his contract is about to cease. After lengthy debates and looking into his contribution in the three years he has served our club, it was then decided that his contract would not be renewed.

Such news were broken to the coach after yet another protracted consultative meeting to finally bring to an end many months of speculations. Whilst we were all mindful of the challenges ahead, we felt the decision to terminate it immediately would serve the interest of both parties considering the league and competition assignments that are still current.

We also felt that the immediate termination of the contract would assist the coach and the club in planning for the future as the league draws to an end.

We are thus thankful for the coaches’ contribution and wish him success in his future endeavors.

In response to the challenges ahead, we have assigned Donald Khuse to hold the reigns as Head Coach until the end of the season. He will be ably assisted by Doctor Khumalo who has been in our development structures. The teams’ current Second Assistant Coach Arthur Zwane completes a trio of legends that have diligently served the club as players and coaches. Meanwhile the rest of the Technical Team remains unaffected by the changes.

My I congratulate the three and invite all of us to rally behind their efforts and that of the entire team in order to complete a season full of drama and intrigue. I look forward to supporters to provide a warm reception of our team throughout all the assignments that are lying ahead.

THE NEDBANK CUP

Our quest to lift the Nedbank Cup takes us to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokoane against a tough Free State Stars. The fact that they are within the top eight bracket of the log and have accounted for the defending champions Orlando Pirates in the competition makes them all the more dangerous and determined.

They undoubtedly have a menacing striking force whose protégé won the March Player of the Month award; a threat poser against any team. With the 2012 AFCON medal winning Kennedy Mweene manning their goal posts, the team from the mountainous Qwa Qwa may not be taken lightly at this stage.

In addition, Steve Khompela; the captain of the bench has done a great job guiding the ship and crowned his efforts by winning the favour of national team selectors to join its technical department as Assistant Coach. Such achievements may thus be considered vital to boost the moral of a club that has proven its worth since the league season started.

Meanwhile, we are entering this fray amidst disturbing and unfounded negative reports of low player morale and discontent in our team; something that is clearly malicious to derail our focus.

Be that as it may, we have done well to prepare intensely for the clash and evidence shall follow our approach on Saturday evening. Whilst injuries and suspensions have been a factor in our preparation, I however believe that our lads have been thoroughly oriented into embracing the challenges that lie ahead and doing everything in their power to stay on their feet.

I am happy that Itumeleng Khune has resumed training after a worrisome injury against Golden Arrows in recent weeks. Tlou Molekoane has been unfortunate whilst Sthembiso Ngcobo has fully recovered for use. The suspension of Keegan Ritchie, Bernard Parker and Dominic Isaacs is obviously a challenge that will be overcome in due course. I however believe with time, all players will certainly vie for selection to pursue our common goal of annexing some silverware in the season.

Our Easter Weekend win against Platinum Stars surely came in handy to lift our spirits needed for the tough encounter ahead. Getting early goals and holding on to thwart their efforts in the dying minutes of the team displayed strong intentions of keeping our supporters content.

I believe we should continue piling more effort to silence critics that have prematurely sealed our league and cup fate even before we invade the pitch against the travelling Free State team.

With seven games and twenty one points remaining, the race towards a successful finish is obviously steep and requires more purpose and intent. The same applies when lucrative silverware like the Nedbank cup is beckoning.

ELLISPARK 2001

May I on behalf of the Management, Players, Staff and Supporters of Kaizer Chiefs express my sympathies to families and relatives that lost their loved ones during the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs clash in April of 2001.

I pray that we forgive and bury our inclination to reopen old wounds by conceding that GOD acted out HIS dominant WILL over our lives and that HE may therefore WILL it in HIS heart to help us find peace and closure.

Kaizer Motaung (Mr.)

Executive Chairman.