Kaizer Chiefs face Red Arrows test in CAF Confederation Cup

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz expects Red Arrows to pose a significant threat when the two sides meet in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round in Zambia on Saturday.

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

Da Cruz believes the Zambian side will look to exploit transitions and use a direct approach, including long balls.

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

The Chiefs coach also admitted he was uncertain about the conditions awaiting his side in Ndola, where continental matches can be played in a hostile atmosphere.

“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 injury concerns continue

Da Cruz confirmed that none of Chiefs’ injured players had recovered in time to feature, meaning his starting line-up is likely to remain largely unchanged from the team that drew 1-all with Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

The coach was criticised by some for selecting six natural defenders for that match as Chiefs dealt with 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.

Chiefs have drawn their past three domestic league matches. Their meeting with Red Arrows provides an opportunity to return to winning ways before their Carling Knockout first-round fixture against TS Galaxy.