DURBAN – Erick Mathoho says he is looking forward to face Baroka FC in Durban on Saturday.
“I love to play in Durban,” the lanky defender said. “We always enjoy that special vibe in the stadium.
“The KZN supporters really make us happy and they motivate us so much. As a result, we push ourselves to make them happy.”
Chiefs host Baroka in an Absa Premiership fixture at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (start at 6pm).
Mathoho was red-carded early on in the Absa Premiership fixture against SuperSport United in August. It meant that he was suspended for two matches. “That was a hard lesson for me,” he reflects.
Accordingly, the defender came on during the 2-0 win over Maritzburg United, while starting again in last Saturday’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
“It’s good to be back,” the 27-year-old says. “It was also fantastic to keep a clean sheet at the back, as that’s always important.”
Mathoho started in his 121st league encounter wearing the gold-and-black jersey against SuperSport United, since joining the club for the 2012/2013 season.
He scored nine goals in the league with his most recent coming in the 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic, the first league game of this season.
Baroka FC are presently joint log leaders with Golden Arrows, having collected 12 points from five matches. Chiefs are in fourth position with nine points.
“They have been doing well,” Mathoho said. “It promises to be an interesting, but tough game, and I can’t wait.”