Miguel expects Kaizer Chiefs fans to turn Red Arrows tie into home match

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel believes the club’s supporters can give his side a home advantage when they face Red Arrows FC in Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chiefs arrived in Zambia on Thursday afternoon for the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Miguel said the presence of Kaizer Chiefs fans in the country meant the match would not feel like a normal away fixture for the South African club.

“I could see yesterday when we went to training, Kaizer Chiefs fans in the streets, so it’s difficult to say that we are playing away from home because we still have fans in Zambia,” he said.

“Most of the countries we go to in Africa, we have fans, so obviously the stadium will be full of our supporters.”

Chiefs have yet to play in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup after receiving a first-round bye. They were among the 12 top-seeded teams given that exemption, based on CAF five-year ranking points.

Their domestic form has been less convincing. Although Chiefs have lost only one match this season their MTN8 quarter-final against Lamontville Golden Arrows they have surrendered ground on the top three in the Betway Premiership.

They have drawn five of their past six league matches and will now turn their attention to their continental campaign against Red Arrows.