The match was originally scheduled to be played at the Vodacom Loftus Stadium in Tshwane, but has been switched to Rustenburg in stead and the game will kick off at 19h30.

For Chiefs the match presents them with the opportunity of starting off the second round of fixtures on a winning note and set the tone for the remaining three months of league action.

A number of the Chiefs players are looking forward to resuming activities after being out of competitive action since late December, when the league was forced to take an extended break due to the Africa Cup of Nations, which concludes in Ghana on the 10th February.

Opening night

Amakhosi midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala who recently returned from Ghana where he played in two games during Bafana Bafana’s time at the Africa Cup of Nations, is looking forward to getting back in to the swing of life at club football.

He spoke of his craving to be back out on the field to kaizerchiefs.com on Friday saying “after being with the national team for such a long time, it was wonderful to get back last week and begin training with the team again”.

He further more emphasized to kaizerchiefs.com the importance of Chiefs kicking off with a win against Thanda Royal on Wednesday, “we want to get ourselves back up the table and I feel that if we win our first game of the year on Wednesday. It will help us build confidence and a winning mentality which will bode well for us over the next few months, the initial aim of the team is to win our first couple of games and get into the top five”.

Spencer relishing comeback

Another of the Chiefs squad who cannot wait to return to league action is utility man Derrick Spencer who was the man of the match during Chiefs Telkom Knock Out Cup Final triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns, Spencer who was nursing an injury since December is hoping to make a come back against Thanda Royal.

Spencer speaking about his delight at the possibility of playing his first competitive game in more than eight weeks for Chiefs, Spencer added “when you do not play for such a long time you really want to get back out onto the field, I am really anxious and want to play on Wednesday and get the team off to a winning start in 2008. I have had time to work over my injury and I am feeling really fit, it is important if I want to play a leading role for the team that I feel good about my physical shape”.

Tickets out now

Fans who have also been eagerly awaiting Chiefs return to action are able to purchase tickets for Chiefs first league game of 2008, when they face Thanda Royal on Wednesday evening may to do so by buying them from their nearest Shoprite Store or Computicket outlet across South Africa.