Kaizer Chiefs face confident Red Arrows in CAF Confederations Cup tie, says Mulenga

Former Jomo Cosmos and Zambia international Clifford Mulenga believes Kaizer Chiefs will face a disciplined and confident Red Arrows side when the clubs meet in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Red Arrows booked their place in the second preliminary round after beating Madagascar’s FC Rougue 4-0 on aggregate in the first round. Kaizer Chiefs entered the competition at this stage after receiving a bye.

The two teams will contest a two-legged tie for a place in the group stages, with the first match taking place in Zambia on the weekend of 16-18 October. The return leg will be played in South Africa on the weekend of 23-25 October this year.

Mulenga, speaking from Zambia, believes Red Arrows can cause an upset against the South African club, although he says neither side can be considered a clear favourite.

“This is actually a very big game with no clear favorite,” Mulenga told KickOff.

“Red Arrows will be more confident after coming through the first leg comfortably and without conceding a goal.

“They already have a feel of continental football. Amakhosi should expect a disciplined, confident, and determined Arrows team.”

The Zambian club have been among the country’s most consistent teams in recent seasons, according to Mulenga. While he acknowledges that both sides possess talented individual players, he considers Red Arrows stronger in terms of their collective understanding.

“Arrows have been one of the most consistent teams in Zambia over the last few years. They both have some good individual players but when it comes to teamwork and chemistry, I see Arrows as the better team,” he said.

Mulenga also pointed to Kaizer Chiefs’ recent lack of success as a factor in his assessment of the tie. He warned that Red Arrows should not be underestimated and expects them to have the edge across the two matches.

“They are no pushovers. Amakhosi have hardly won anything recently. So I’m picking a winner, and I will slightly have Red Arrows as favorites over the two legs.”