Chippa United forward Rhulani Manzini insists that he and his teammates are raring to start the 2016-17 season following five weeks of pre-season preparations.

The Chilli Boys has been boosted by the return of sharpshooter, Rhulani Manzini, who missed the last five games of the season due to injury, reports the Chippa United website.

The 28-year-old insists that Dan Malesela’s side are ‘ready’ and eager to get the new season started.

‘I am ready and together with my teammates, we are raring to go. The mood in the camp is high,’ Manzini said.

Manzini believes the new players are gelling well in the team following a three-week camp to prepare for the 2016-17 season.

‘We had a lot of players coming in and it was important to know everyone at both social and on the playing field,’ he added.

‘It was also the first time for us to go to preseason with Coach, Dan (Malesela) who told us about what is expected from each and every one of us this coming season.

‘We are already aware that it is not going to be a tough season due to the way we finished last season. We need to double our efforts on the pitch and continue making our fans proud.’

Rhulani Manzini, who is in his second season with the Chilli Boys, having joined the club from Platinum Stars at the beginning of 2015-16 season.

Last season for Chippa, Manzini featured 21 times and scored four goals, while assisting a further two in all competitions.

Chippa United will welcome Free State Stars at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 23, for their first Absa Premiership game of the season. Kickoff is at 19h30.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.

Image: Chippa United website