Kaizer Chiefs face Red Arrows in CAF Confederation Cup first-leg test

Kaizer Chiefs begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Red Arrows in the first leg of the second preliminary round at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The South African side arrive in Zambia searching for consistency after a difficult spell in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs have drawn their past three league matches, with Stellenbosch FC holding them on Tuesday night.

That run has left Kaizer Chiefs fourth in the Premiership, nine points behind the league leaders. Their recent results have also added pressure ahead of a continental tie in which they will be expected to make a strong start away from home.

Red Arrows have also made an unbeaten opening to their domestic campaign. They defeated Mutondo Stars in their first Super League fixture before drawing with Mufulira at home.

The Zambian club progressed through the opening round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Madagascar’s FC Rouges. That result set up a meeting with Amakhosi in the second preliminary round.

Kaizer Chiefs did not have to play in the first preliminary round after receiving a bye. They will be looking to improve on last season’s group-stage elimination and reach the knockout stages in successive participations.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00.

Confirmed line-ups

Kaizer Chiefs will start with Leaner in goal, protected by a defence of Monyane, Miguel, Moloisane and Cross.

Mako and Mthethwe are named in midfield, with Frosler, Vilakazi, Shabalala and Baartman completing the starting XI.

Kaizer Chiefs substitutes: Bvuma, Dortley, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Velebayi, Abrahams, Igodaro, Da Silva and Duba.