Amakhosi have been working hard in training ahead of their visit to Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United on Saturday, having last played a couple of days prior to Christmas.

Midfielder, Yusuf Maart, gratefully took the opportunity to share a few days at home with his loved ones before returning to Naturena to prepare for the Club’s final match of the year.

“The festive period is treating us, as a family very well,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com, “Everyone is happy and it is always great to be with the family, spending quality time bonding together.”

Chiefs will be going for their fourth consecutive DStv Premiership victory at the New Peter Mokaba stadium and Maart believes the results will inspire the players to continue their winning run into the new year.

“Winning three games back-to-back is very good for the team. It helps a lot to build momentum. We are putting all our efforts into the team, to try to win each and every game,” he says.

The Atlantis-born 28-year-old is likely to wear the captain’s armband again but he insists that, to be a player at a Club of the stature of Kaizer Chiefs, everybody is a leader, and he has faith in and respect for the strong character of his teammates.

“Basically, there are 11 captains on the field because we all try to motivate each other. I think it’s great; everyone has a leadership role in the team because we are all in it together and we depend on each other, so everyone must do their part,” he explains.

The match against Babina Noko marks the start of the second round of the league campaign and Maart is determined to maintain the team’s upward trajectory for the second half of the season.

“We have reached the middle of the season and, as a team, we are just focused on each game as it comes, trying to win every time we play,” he says, adding, “Going forward into the next game now, it’s Sekhukhune United and the coach has worked out a game plan and we will go out and try to execute his instructions. We always put maximum effort in.”

The fixture brings the curtain down on 2023 and Maart concludes with a message of love and appreciation for the Khosi Nation.

“I would like to wish our supporters a happy new year and all the best for 2024. Stay safe and love yourself, love your family and support them wherever you can,” he says, “Thank you for supporting the team so wholeheartedly. We really appreciate it and we look forward to seeing you next year. Amakhosi for Life!”

The clash between Sekhukhune and Chiefs kicks off at 20:00 on Saturday, 30 December at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Tickets are available online through www.computicket.co.za or Computicket outlets, Checkers and Shoprite Supermarkets, at R60 per ticket.