Amakhosi ready for township rock 'n' roll

Kaizer Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite has moved to reassure fans that Amakhosi are in the CAF Champions League for the long haul despite getting off to a stuttering start against Gaborone Township Rollers two weeks ago.

They play Township Rollers tomorrow at the 22000-seater Botswana National Stadium in the second leg of their preliminary round tie after only managing to secure a 2-1 lead in the first leg in their own back yard .

Amakhosi have a big following in Botswana, but can expect a hostile reception when they arrive to face the Rollers, who will be going for the giant scalp.

Chiefs appeared distracted and unable to focus in the first leg until Mashamaite's injury-time goal saved the blushes of a home draw.

Mashamaite was adamant that Chiefs, perceived to be un enthusiastic in continental competitions, were taking the Champions League seriously.

"We had a beautiful experience last year, playing in Mozambique, Namibia and Democratic Republic of Congo," the centre back said.

"We're playing different teams. So we're really relishing the challenge. Just to debunk the myth, Chiefs like to play in the CAF Champions League."

Little-known St Michel United from the Seychelles travel from the exotic island to Atteridgeville dreaming of a major upset in the Champions League preliminary stage when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow.

It is almost unthinkable that a team with such a small reputation can halt the progress of the PSL's rich boys in Africa's premium club competition.

But their 1-1 draw in the first leg two weeks ago has given the visitors hope.

In the build-up to what is a must-win clash for the Brazilians, veteran talisman Surprise Moriri said the scoreline from that match, played on an artificial pitch, was "never a true reflection of the quality of the two sides".

Khama Billiat scored a crucial away goal in the dying minutes of the game to secure a draw.

"What a brilliant strike that was," Moriri said. "It gave us an advantage coming back home. We can't take anything away from them because they are a good team."