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Ekstein confident ahead of league opener

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein is confident that they are ready for their opening Premiership encounter against Bidvest Wits on Tuesday night.

The Naturena-based outfit have bolstered their squad for the new season with no less than the nine new signings and Ekstein believes that they are ready for Gavin Hunt's men.

"We are ready to play and, most importantly, we are all willing to work hard for the team," he told the club's website.

"If our preparations are anything to go by. I can confidently say: Yes, we are ready to play in our first game of the season.

"At this stage we will rely on our strength more than anything. They might be having a bit of information about us, because they saw our friendly matches on TV.

"However, we didn't expose our entire plan in the friendlies anyway. And, by the way, we beat them twice last season, home and away."

On a personal note, the skilful midfielder said that he is hoping to improve on the 14 appearances he made in all competitions last season.

"I didn't have a convincing campaign last season. But that is water under the bridge now. This time I am prepared to fight for my place in the line-up. Important for me is to make a contribution for the team. We want to lift trophies this season," he added.

"The new players have gelled nicely in the team. Also, we are working very well with the new technical team members.

"We are mentally and physically ready. The supporters must just know that we aim at making them happy this season."

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