Rudolph Seale: Kaizer Chiefs are ready for the new season

Kaizer Chiefs former defender Rudolph Seale says Amakhosi must not rely too much on new striker Khama Billiat against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 51-year-old ex-Chiefs defender was speaking ahead of the club’s first 2018/19 Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter against the Brazilians on Saturday.

Seale believes Chiefs have a chance to secure three points at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, but they must work as a team against the reigning champions.

Moreover, he told Goal that coach Giovanni Solinas’ impact on the bench remains to be seen as he has not spent much time with the team during pre-season.

This comes after Chiefs announced that the Italian coach has received his work permit and will man the bench against the Brazilians.

“Look, for me I think Chiefs are ready for the season because I am not someone who reads too much on pre-season games, but tactics will win the game on Saturday,” Seale told Goal on Thursday.

“In my view, both teams are ready, but Sundowns have an edge because they have played friendlies and two official matches already,” he added.

“I think for Chiefs, yes they released players, but have not brought in many – I think two or three to bolster the squad so they are not many changes and we will see the same Chiefs,” he explained.

“Their biggest signing (Billiat) will be on the spotlight on Saturday because he will face his former teammates and he will bring creativity upfront, we all know his quality,” continued the legend.

“I think it will be bad for Chiefs if they rely on him to make things happen, teamwork will be very important against Sundowns because they also do not rely on one player,” said Seale.

“What if Billiat becomes the worst player on the day? That happens in the game and I am not saying it will happen with him,” he reacted.

“People say Billiat knows Sundowns, but what is that? That doesn’t work in modern football because Sundowns also know him, but I would love to see Chiefs winning this one,” added the Soweto-born.

“Coming to the coach, it is good news for him and the club to finally work, but I am not sure about the effect he will make or bring on the bench,” continued the former left back.

“I think many people will focus on this match and forget about the likes of Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and others who are also gunning for the league title,” Seale responded.

“Even if Chiefs or Sundowns can lose the match, I still do not believe that will mean the race is over or the loss will have an effect on the race because there are so many games to play,” asserted the ex-Bafana Bafana defender.

“It's still early for me and yes this is one of the big games this weekend, but the race is not only between the two sides,” he concluded.