Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City learn Confederation Cup opponents

South Africa’s four clubs involved in CAF’s continental competitions have discovered their opponents for the next round of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Angolan club Wiliete in the Champions League, while Orlando Pirates have been drawn against Namibian side African Stars.

In the Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs will face Zambia’s Red Arrows and Durban City will play Port Louis of Mauritius.

Durban City progressed after overcoming Rukinzo in a two-legged tie, a performance that pleased coach Khalil Ben Youssef.

“It was a good two-leg performance from us. We knew what we had to do after the first leg and the players handled the two games well,” Ben Youssef said.

The coach was especially satisfied with the way his squad coped with the unfamiliar setting in the second leg.

“Coming here was always going to be a different challenge. You have to adapt to the conditions, the environment and the game itself, and I thought the players did that well,” he said.

Ben Youssef said Durban City had no intention of simply protecting their advantage from the opening match.

“We didn’t come here to sit back and protect the first-leg result. We wanted to play, we wanted to score and we wanted to win the game, and we did that,” he said.

The visitors appeared to be in control after moving 2-0 ahead, but Rukinzo reduced the deficit and created a more uncertain finish.

“At 2–0 we were in a strong position, but when they scored we had to stay calm. I thought the players showed good character to manage the game and see it through,” Ben Youssef said.

Durban City are competing at this level of continental football for the first time. Ben Youssef believes the experience of progressing through each round will help the club develop.

“For the club, this is a new experience. We’re learning with every game and every round, and it’s important that we keep improving as we go along,” he said.

The coach said the focus had already shifted to preparing for the next tie after Durban City secured their place in the following round.

“We’re pleased to be through, but that’s what we expected from ourselves. Now we have to recover, get back home and prepare for the next challenge,” Ben Youssef said.