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Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs are not going to make any new signings this season.
That was the message spelt out by Amakhosi football manager Bobby Motaung on Wednesday.
"Let me make it crystal clear, Chiefs are not going to be buying any players this season," said Motaung.
"I want to speculation and rumours to end now. We are content with our squad and believe we have the players to bring success to Chiefs this season."
In fact, Chiefs have extra players who are struggling to get game time such as midfielder David Mathebula and defender Thabang Rooi who were on Wednesday loaned to struggling Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Said Motaung: "There could be more loan deals made this month during the transfer window."
Chiefs head coach Vladimir Vermezovic agreed saying that he was content with his squad saying he is happy by the fact the likes of Mathebula and Rooi will be able to get more game time as they do not feature high on his plans for this season. "I can only play 11 players per game," said Vermezovic.
Said Motaung: "If the players who are on loan shine then we could resign them on a new contract otherwise they could be sold at the end of the season.
"The ball is in their court. But it is only fair we give fringe players a chance to play."
Second placed Chiefs, who meet log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the table Absa Premiership showdown at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, are determined to start the New Year on a winning note.
"It is a big game for both clubs," said Vermezovic.
"Sundowns are four points ahead of us and a win would close that gap."
But the Serbian born coach dismissed Downs 3-2 home loss to AmaZulu in their final league fixture of 2010 saying "Sundown are a big club and have big players." "That result is history. This will be a whole new ball game. I am not reading anything into it."
But Vermezovic did say that hopes history repeats itself for a third time.
"Twice when we have come back from this break we have played and beaten Sundowns hopefully it will be third time lucky again for us."
Sundowns are without their star striker Katlego Mphela who is suspended, but Vermezovic says there are other top class strikers ready to fill the Bafana Bafana star’s boots.
He said: "We are ready well prepared for Sundowns. It promises to be a cracker to start to 2010 with.
"But it will be a difficult game as there is a lot at stake even at this early stage."
Vermezovic admitted a defeat would dent Chiefs title hopes.
But he stressed: "After Sundowns we play fourth placed Ajax Cape Town, AmaZulu then Bloemfontein Celtic with an equally tough schedule in February (which includes the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates)," he said.
"But right now we need to get past Sundowns.
"I know their weaknesses and we will try and exploit them."
Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is looking forward to getting back into action after the Festive Season break.
"Playing Sundowns is the perfect way to begin 2011," said Khune.
"This league is competitive there are no more so called smaller teams.
"Ajax are a threat to the league title so it is not just Sundowns or Pirates we need to worry about."
Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, who has scored nine goals in the league this season, said the Downs match would be like another cup final.
"We always enjoy playing teams like Sundowns and no question this is a big game for both clubs and I aim to go out and enjoy it," said Musona. Chiefs skipper Jimmy Tau said Chiefs would show Sundowns plenty of respect but believed the result could have a big bearing on the eventual destination of the title.
"It is still early days but every game from now on is important," said Tau.
"We have learnt from past mistakes. Every point from now on will be vital."
Tickets are on sale at all Shoprite/Computicket outlets costing R40 for adults and R10 for children.
Parking tickets cost R10 and can be bought with match tickets from the same outlets.
