Kaizer Chiefs seek reset as CAF Confederation Cup campaign begins

Kaizer Chiefs will hope their CAF Confederation Cup campaign can provide a change in fortunes after an inconsistent start to their Betway Premiership season.

The South African club remain unbeaten in the league, having recorded three wins and five draws. They are fourth on 14 points, but trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points, although the table-toppers have played one more match.

Chiefs’ lack of consistency has been apparent in both defence and attack. Errors at the back proved costly before the Fifa international break, while their struggles to create fluidly and convert chances were again exposed in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC.

Their attention now switches to continental competition, with the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup group stage qualifier against Red Arrows taking place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on Saturday.

Coach Fernando da Cruz believes the competition could help his squad develop a different rhythm during a demanding period of the season.

“We will have a lot of games this month,” Da Cruz said. “It won’t be easy. We have the Carling Knockout and the Soweto derby at the end of the month. Starting this competition allows the team to build a new dynamic.”

Chiefs will also face a busy domestic schedule. At the Carling Knockout last-16 draw, they were handed a home tie against TS Galaxy.

Da Cruz said his coaching staff had completed a detailed assessment of Red Arrows and identified the qualities they will need to manage in Ndola.

“It’s a strong team with powerful players who transition quickly in attack,” Da Cruz noted. “They know the stadium conditions very well, which might present a challenge for us. But we are going to Zambia to secure a positive result and put ourselves in a strong position for the home leg.”

Chiefs announced their 23-man travelling squad for the match on Thursday, with few alterations to the group involved against Stellenbosch.

Injuries limit changes

Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu remain unavailable because of injury, while the club’s other key injured players have also not yet returned.

Da Cruz said the absences would not affect his belief in the players selected for the trip.

“Compared to the squad against Stellenbosch, it will be largely the same with one or two changess,” Da Cruz explained. “We haven’t recovered our injured key players yet, which will take a bit more time, but we have complete faith in the squad we are taking.”