Kaizer Chiefs star Tsepo Masilela is determined to make a positive start to Premiership when his side face Bidvest Wits in their opener on Tuesday. 

Despite the Amakhosi been handicapped by injuries to Erick Mathoho and new signing Keagan Buchanan, Masilela is hopeful the side can start the new season on the right foot.

‘We don’t want to play catch up,’ Masilela told the club’s website. ‘We want to be in the thick of things from the start. We have learnt our lessons and this time we are geared to have a good run from the start.’

The former Bafana Bafana star admitted his side has a tough task in overcoming last season’s runners-up Wits, who under coach Gavin Hunt have shown steady improvement each season.

‘Wits finished second and their coach, Gavin Hunt, has won many trophies before,’ Masilela said. ‘They have quality players. We are aware this is the opener and everyone wants to start on a high. The positive is that we are ready.’

The 31-year-old concluded by summing up the positive atmosphere at Chiefs, where the players are feeling eager and looking sharp ahead of their opening fixture.

The match will be played at Bidvest Stadium.

Kick-off is at 19:30.