CAF Confederation Cup: Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe rewarded with car after Kaizer Chiefs upset

Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe has been rewarded with a Toyota Mark X after guiding the Zambian side to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.

The Airmen secured qualification after overcoming Chiefs in the second preliminary round, eliminating the Soweto club on penalties following a closely contested two-legged tie.

Red Arrows won the first leg 1-0 in Zambia before Chiefs levelled the tie with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. However, the South African side failed to complete the comeback in the penalty shoot-out.

Mbewe was presented with the vehicle by Zambia Air Force Commander and club patron Lieutenant General Oscar Musitu Nyoni following the team’s achievement.

The club announced the gesture after the squad returned from South Africa on Saturday, explaining that the car would assist the coach with training sessions and official duties.

The team’s qualification was celebrated at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where Nyoni personally welcomed the players and congratulated them on delivering the victory he had expected.

“I expected nothing less than victory, and you have brought that victory. Congratulations,” Nyoni told the team.

Despite celebrating the achievement, the Air Force commander challenged Red Arrows to build on their success and target a place in the final of the continental competition.

The club’s progression to the group stage marks a significant achievement, particularly after eliminating a team of Chiefs’ stature from the tournament.

Red Arrows will now turn their attention to the next phase of the competition as they seek to maintain their momentum and make a deeper run in the Confederation Cup.

The club also reported that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema had congratulated Nyoni on the team’s success.