Kaizer Chiefs handed CAF Confederation Cup route as Red Arrows await

South African side Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a direct passage to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will meet either Zambia’s Red Arrows or FC Rouge of Equatorial Guinea.

The draw, held in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, confirmed the route for South Africa’s representatives in the competition. Kaizer Chiefs secured their return to continental football after finishing third in the Betway Premiership last season.

The Soweto club will not be required to take part in the opening preliminary round after CAF granted them a bye. Their campaign will therefore begin in the second preliminary round, with the first leg scheduled to take place between 16 and 18 October.

The return fixture will be played in South Africa the following weekend, giving the “Glamour Boys” home advantage in the decisive leg.

The tie will be Kaizer Chiefs’ second successive appearance in African club competition. During the previous campaign, they progressed through the qualifying rounds and reached the group stage, but were unable to advance to the knockout phase.

Their participation comes as the club prepares to balance domestic commitments with the demands of continental football. Kaizer Chiefs’ management has strengthened the squad during the transfer window, bringing in Langelihle Phili and Renaldo Leaner in an effort to improve both quality and depth.

There have also been notable departures from Naturena. Ashley Du Preez, Glody Lilepo and Given Msimango are among the players who have left the club as preparations continue for the new campaign.

The first preliminary-round meeting between Red Arrows and FC Rouge will determine which side travels to face Kaizer Chiefs. The two clubs are scheduled to contest their tie before the South African side enters the competition in the next phase.

Durban City will also represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup after qualifying as Nedbank Cup champions. They have been drawn against Burundi’s Rukinzo FC in the first preliminary round.

Durban City’s opening match is scheduled for 4–6 September, with the first leg to be played against Rukinzo FC. Their involvement means two South African clubs will feature in this season’s competition, although they have been placed on different sides of the qualifying schedule.

Before turning fully to continental football, both Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City must first focus on their domestic knockout commitments in the MTN 8. Their immediate attention will therefore remain on South African competition before the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying campaign begins.