Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Amakhosi backed for MTN8 glory, Petersen tips Mayo & more

Kaizer Chiefs news, as former Mamelodi Sundowns striker endorses them for the MTN8 title, Brandon Petersen backs Khanyisa Mayo to rediscover his best form and more.

Ramagalela backs Chiefs for MTN8 glory

Former PSL Golden Boot winner Rodney Ramagalela has thrown his weight behind Kaizer Chiefs as they prepare for their highly anticipated return to the MTN8, insisting the Soweto giants are essential to the tournament’s appeal.

Chiefs have been absent from the competition for two seasons, and Ramagalela highlighted the significance of having them back as they get set to face Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium.

Speaking on FARPost, the former Sundowns and Polokwane City striker said he was excited about the traditional heavyweights being in the mix once again and noted that their absence had left a noticeable void in the tournament.

When asked for his semi-final predictions, Ramagalela was bullish about the big three — but also made room for a dark horse.

“My hope is to see Kaizer Chiefs there; I want to see Orlando Pirates in the semis, and I want to see Mamelodi Sundowns,” he said.

Beyond the sporting dimension, Ramagalela emphasised the commercial significance of Chiefs’ return, pointing to the Last Fan Standing competition as one initiative that resonates deeply with local supporters.

“You know, it’s good for South African football to have Chiefs back in the MTN8 because, without them, honestly, I think Chiefs is one of the most supported teams in the country. I can say every competition needs Chiefs. We at MTN are very excited to have Chiefs back, and we hope that they will do well in the tournament,” he added.

Petersen confident in Mayo’s mentality

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has backed Khanyisa Mayo to silence his doubters and deliver in the new campaign, pointing to the forward’s strength of character as the key ingredient for a turnaround.

Mayo signed a permanent deal with Amakhosi despite enduring a difficult maiden campaign while on loan from CR Belouizdad, and is currently nursing an injury as he looks to hit the ground running.

Petersen revealed that Mayo is among the more confident personalities in the dressing room and that the psychological resilience to bounce back from a dip in form is something the forward clearly possesses.

“We know Mayo’s qualities from the time he played in Cape Town and when he played for Belouizdad. It showed you that the quality is there and it’s normal for a player to sometimes go through a dip and all of that, but the most important thing is how you pick yourself up,” Petersen told the media as per Vodacom Soccer.