CAF Confederation Cup: Kaizer Chiefs tie will motivate players – Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe

Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe says he is confident his players will be motivated for their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round clash against South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.

The Zambian side will host Chiefs at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the first leg this weekend, hoping to secure an advantage before travelling to South Africa for the return fixture.

Red Arrows booked their place in the second preliminary round after overcoming Madagascar’s FC Rouge, while Chiefs enter the competition at this stage after being seeded in the CAF draw.

Mbewe’s side head into the encounter after being held to a 1-1 draw in the Zambian Premier League last weekend, with the coach expressing concerns about their finishing and attacking transitions.

“Yes, scoring has been worrisome because we always create chances, but I think finishing is something that we need to work extra hard on. The boys can do it; it’s just the conviction and self-belief that are still lacking,” Mbewe said, according to Bolayapazed.

He also believes his team must improve the speed at which they move the ball from defence to attack.

“In our transition from defence to attack, I think we are too slow, and that helps our opponents to reorganise,” he added.

Despite those concerns, Mbewe is not worried about preparing his players mentally for the meeting with Chiefs, insisting that the stature of their opponents should provide sufficient motivation.

“Games against big teams like Kaizer Chiefs are self-motivating for the players,” he said, according to Zamfoot.

“I am not worried, going into this encounter. We need to ensure we get the job done here in Zambia before we travel to South Africa for the return leg.”

Red Arrows will be looking to make home advantage count against Chiefs, knowing that a positive first-leg result could prove crucial in their bid to progress to the next round of the competition.