Kaizer Chiefs must overturn Red Arrows deficit to reach CAF Confederation Cup group stage

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz and captain Inacio Miguel have addressed the challenge facing Amakhosi before their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, second-leg meeting with Zambia’s Red Arrows.

Chiefs travelled to Durban for the decisive fixture at the Moses Mabhida Stadium after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Ndola. The result left the South African side needing to win by two or more goals to overturn the deficit and progress to the group stage.

Da Cruz and Miguel spoke to the media at the Moses Mabhida Stadium during the pre-match press conference, with the Chiefs coach and captain expected to play leading roles as the club attempts to keep its continental campaign alive.

The pair reflected on the shortcomings from the opening match and considered what must improve in the return leg against Red Arrows. Their comments came as Chiefs prepared for a result that would be required to reverse the outcome from Zambia.

The press conference also addressed the club’s ongoing winless run. Chiefs arrived at the match under pressure to produce a response, with the result carrying significance both for their CAF Confederation Cup ambitions and for a team seeking to end its current sequence without victory.

Da Cruz and Miguel also discussed the expectations that come with representing Kaizer Chiefs, known as the Glamour Boys. The club’s status means the players and coaching staff face considerable demands as they attempt to recover from the first-leg loss.

The second leg in Durban therefore presented Chiefs with a clear task: overcome Red Arrows’ one-goal advantage and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. A victory by two or more goals would allow Amakhosi to progress, while anything less would leave them unable to overturn the first-leg result.

The pre-match media session offered Da Cruz and Miguel an opportunity to set out their assessment of the tie before the teams met at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Their focus was on correcting the problems from Ndola, ending the winless run and responding to the pressure surrounding Kaizer Chiefs.