Thabo Moloisane will face his former club Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday in a match that holds deep personal significance for the Kaizer Chiefs defender. The 27-year-old, who spent three productive seasons and made over 115 appearances for Stellenbosch, acknowledged their key role in his journey to Naturena.

Moloisane spoke at the Chiefs Village on Monday, expressing gratitude for his time in the Winelands while focusing on the task ahead. He said these types of games, against familiar opponents, are the ones he enjoys most. The defender is now a regular feature, having started each of Kaizer Chiefs' last five league outings after a patient start to the campaign.

Chiefs’ momentum under Da Cruz

The team's current form provides a positive backdrop. Kaizer Chiefs are fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from seven matches and are unbeaten in their last three games, a run that includes a 3-2 win over Siwelele and draws with Polokwane City and Golden Arrows. Moloisane said the squad is progressing well under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, with visible improvement compared to last season. He admitted it was unfortunate not to turn some of those draws into wins but stressed the importance of continuing to work hard to perfect the coach's system. That work has him feeling like himself again and eyeing a return to the Bafana Bafana setup.

A key October run

Coach Da Cruz has framed the coming weeks as an intense period, with five matches in 17 days across the league, CAF Confederation Cup, and Carling Knockout. He said the recent international break allowed for valuable rest and tactical sharpening. Da Cruz also linked the team's performance to a special occasion, noting that a strong display against Stellenbosch would be a fitting birthday present for club chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung. He warned that Stellenbosch, who sit seventh with eight points, will be equally determined for the three points.

For Moloisane, the fixture at FNB Stadium represents a full-circle moment. He grew up just down the road in Soweto and remembers coming to the stadium as a boy to fetch tickets. Now he aims to write his own history there in the famous gold and black. A victory would not only extend the team's unbeaten league run to eight games but also validate the progress being made, keeping pace in a tight title race where Chiefs are currently seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The match kicks off on Tuesday evening at FNB Stadium.

First reported at goal.com