Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein says Amakhosi are ready and well prepared for their opening clash against Bidvest Wits on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who got promoted from the Amakhosi youth team in 2014, has scored one goal from 14 appearances in all competitions last season for Chiefs.

Ekstein says the team has be working hard to prepare for the season and he insists that Amakhosi are ready to begin the new season under coach Steve Komphela.

‘We have been working hard to be prepared for the season,’ Ekstein told the Kaizer Chiefs website.

‘We are ready to play and, most importantly, we are all willing to work hard for the team.’

The former Kaizer Chiefs youth product revealed that he is out to impress the technical team in the hopes of getting more game time under his belt this season.

‘I am working hard to persuade the technical team to hand me more playing time this season,’ he added.

‘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.’

Kaizer Chiefs will now travel to the Bidvest Stadium when they take on Bidvest Wits in their opening Absa Premiership match on Tuesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.