Silva: Chiefs’ great new hope

AS Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their eagerly awaited match against Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will be on new striker Flavio Silva.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The 29-year-old forward, hailing from Guinea-Bissau, faces the challenge of silencing critics and demonstrating his value to the Amakhosi supporters after a difficult preseason in the Netherlands.

For Silva, the upcoming match in Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium offers a vital chance to establish a rapport with fans who are eager for a rejuvenated team following the recent addition of six new players.

However, after failing to score in four preseason games, the burden of expectation can be daunting. The last thing Silva desires is to continue a tumultuous relationship with supporters who have witnessed foreign signings struggle in the past.

Burdened by the expectations of previous seasons, his journey at Chiefs is fraught with difficulties. The demand for success has heightened in recent years, where victories have been few and far between for the team.