Da Cruz expects tough test for Kaizer Chiefs against Red Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says his side will face a strong Red Arrows team when they travel to Zambia for the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Saturday.

The match will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at 3pm, with the return leg scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium next Friday at 6pm.

Da Cruz believes Red Arrows will seek to exploit transitions and use long balls, making the Zambian side a difficult opponent for Chiefs.

“We will be facing a strong team, with strong players; they play a lot in transition and long balls as well,” Da Cruz said on the sidelines of the Carling Knockout launch and draw at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Fourways on Wednesday night.

The Chiefs coach also admitted that he remains uncertain about the conditions his team will encounter in Ndola. Continental fixtures can bring a hostile atmosphere, while the state of the playing environment may also present an additional challenge.

“About the conditions [in Zambia], we don’t know as yet; maybe they won’t be good, but we will go to Zambia with the intention to return home with a good result so that we are in a positive mood in the second leg,” Da Cruz said.

Chiefs still without injured players

Da Cruz confirmed that none of the injured Chiefs players had recovered in time for the trip. He expects to make only one or two changes to the side that started Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium.

That line-up attracted criticism after Chiefs began the match with six natural defenders during an injury crisis.

“It will be more or less the same team with one or two changes, but we have not recovered our injured players and it will take a little bit of time to have them back. I am confident in the players who are available,” Da Cruz said.

The draw with Stellenbosch was Chiefs’ third consecutive stalemate in the domestic league. Their meeting with Red Arrows provides an opportunity to end that run and return to winning form.

Chiefs will also be looking to build momentum before their Carling Knockout first-round match against TS Galaxy.