“Matches between Chiefs and Sundowns have always, and will always, be a marvel to watch because both clubs share one thing, ambition to win trophies” said the former star also known to fans as “Didi”. Ace was speaking to kaizerchiefs.com after Thursday morning session where he was assisting Muhsin Ertugral with regular assistant, Fani Madida attending to other business.

“Chiefs and this generation is not different, we have always had soft spot for cup finals. We went all out to make sure we beat Sundowns or any other club to make our fans and families happy. I would start my preparations for the final the day we won the semi finals, even if it was a month to go. I would start focusing on the game and make sure I worked very hard at training. Sleeping early was also helpful in my preparations for big games” recalled “Ace” named after another former Kaizer Chiefs legend, the late Pule Ntsoelengoe.

“Didi” recalled the BP Top 8 Final of 1992 as one of his all time favourite finals. Chiefs sent the Brazilians packing in that game with a solitary late goal in the second half, with Ace sending Amakhosi faithful to ecstasy with a well taken goal.

He recalled with a smile“They had great players on their side but we were also not short of quality. We were confident of matching them going to the final. I must admit that I did not have a good game on the day, the coach (Wiseman Mbali) had confidence in me and did not replace me despite not doing well. I remember Fani Madida making a cross from the right hand side and I had ran to the far post and connected the ball well - making it 1-0”.

“It was a difficult game to play in as Mamolodi Sundowns were all over us and fans were booing me. We were always motivated to win cups at Chiefs. We went on to win the double (Bob Save Super Bowl and the League) that season. We had a great team and always united against one cause, winning” noted Khuse.

Ace Khuse said that he is confident that Kaizer Chiefs will continue with the good run they have over cup finals, a run that started as early as 1992.

“Sundowns are going to get a hiding,” he said with confidence.

“I think the final itself is going to be one of the best to be seen in South African football because of the quality of players in both teams. People are writing us off because of the three loses in a row but you do not do that with Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs have an upper hand despite the quality of players Sundown has. Torrealba is back for the game and that gives us options up front. I do not see us losing,” he concluded.

Khuse, Donald Themba

Date of Birth: 9 September 1963 (in Mohlakeng)


Position: Midfielder


Professional debut: Jomo Comos 2 Orlando Pirates 2 (23 March 1985)


Clubs: Orlando Pirates, Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Ganclebirligi, Antalayspor; (Both Turkey), Kaizer Chiefs

International debut: South Africa 1 Cameroon 0 (07 July 1992)


Total Caps: 16


International Goals: 0

Highlights of his career with Kaizer Chiefs

1989: He joins Kaizer Chiefs and helped the side win the League title scoring a crucial goal against Moroka Swallows in the last game of the season. Also wins JPS KO, Ohlsson’s Challenge and BP Top 8.

1991: Plays a crucial role in Kaizer Chiefs League Champion and gets another Castle Challenge winner’s medal and also scored the only goal of the match in the BP Top Eight Cup final against Sundowns.

1992: Enjoys one of his best seasons in Kaizer Chiefs’ - one of the best squads ever when he helped the side to be the first South African club to defend the League title since the formation of the NSL. Wins Bob save Super Bowl as well as BP Top Eight Cup.

1997: Returns from Turkey after four seasons and rejoins Kaizer Chiefs.

1999: Appointed in the Kaizer Chiefs technical team to assist head coach Muhsin Ertugral.

Donald Khuse played 174 games for Kaizer Chiefs scoring an impressive 51 goals from the midfield.