New Kaizer Chiefs signing, Mthokozisi Yende, is ready to emulate his idols in the Black and Gold when he takes to the field in the 10th anniversary of the Vodacom Challenge.

Yende recently signed from University of Pretoria, was the stand-out player in the Nedbank Cup competition, eventually winning Player of the Tournament.

The attacking midfielder grew up supporting the Amakhosi and is determined to write his name in the history books for the side.

“I am preparing for another big challenge in my football career and beginning a new chapter in my life. I am very happy that I am going to a big team that will give me a great platform to develop,” he told KickOff.com. “I know it’s not going to be easy to walk into the starting line-up, but I am ready to work hard and compete with the best players at Chiefs.”

He singles out Thabo Mooki for special praise. Mooki has the most appearances of any player in the Vodacom Challenge having represented Kaizer Chiefs on 15 occasions between 1999 and 2007. “I am already excited about the prospect of meeting Thabo Mooki, whom I idolized while growing up in Tembisa,” Yende adds.

Yende will hope to be in the starting line-up when Chiefs open their 2009 Vodacom Challenge campaign against Manchester City in Durban on Tuesday, 21 July.