We could have not had a better preseason campaign.

We started well by winning the two cup competitions before the beginning of the season, something that gives us the right attitude going into the official season programme, which for us starts with an home game against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Although those (pre-season) games were more like practice matches, I was glad to see the players taking it in their strides, to win every competition we were involved in.

Beating Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Cup was feels good - we were almost out of the game and on the 96 minute, we equalised and went on to win on pelanties; that is what i describe as an unbelievable character from my players.

That is the character of true Champions – a lion is a lion and it shows its instincts whether in the bush, in a village or in a suburban area…. This is the same spirit our team has shown in the past seasons, and I am glad that to this very moment the players remain hungrier for success.

I feel fortunate to have around me some of the best people in this industry. From the medical team, kit personnel, security, transport and management, everyone contributed massively to the success we had in pre-season.

Now the real deal starts tomorrow, in a match that we have to be at our best and continue marching towards defending the TOP8 Cup.

Playing Celtic has always been tough, but like I said earlier we will have to impose ourselves and try to get a goal as early as possible.

In Cup games, it is not so much how you play, but how you plan to win those games and get to the final. As a team we are relaxed because we will count with the massive support of our fans, who have again shown how much they want the team succeed.

Orlando Pirates is about winning and making history – from the Supporters, to the players and technical team, we will go to Orlando Stadium conscious that only one result we need; a win and nothing less.

We had very little time to enjoy the celebrations of the Carling Cup. The players remain focussed at training and I am happy with the work we have done leading up to Fridays’ match.

This will be our first official match of the season and we will need all support we can get.

If you bought your ticket already, please be early at the stadium - everyone wants to see us playing in the first official match of the season; so be early and ready to support the team.

Until next time.