Leaner urges Kaizer Chiefs fans to drive Confederation Cup comeback

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has called on supporters to fill Moses Mabhida Stadium and help the team overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Amakhosi were beaten by the Zambian side in the second preliminary round, first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium last weekend. They will host Red Arrows in the return fixture in Durban on Friday, with a place in the group stages at stake.

Kaizer Chiefs have endured a difficult campaign and have won only three of their 10 matches in all competitions. Their failure to turn draws into victories has contributed to their slide to fifth in the Betway Premiership standings.

Leaner has taken over as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper since Brandon Petersen suffered an injury. He wants the home support to create an atmosphere capable of matching the intimidating environment Kaizer Chiefs faced in Zambia.

“This game is very important for the Club. Our goal is to advance to the group stage,” Leaner told the club’s website.

“We are a big team, and we are in a big competition. We need our fans out in numbers to support us because in Zambia their fans made it a bit of an ‘intimidating’ environment.

“So, we need our brilliant fans to reciprocate for the whole 90 minutes because it won’t be easy and our fans are our 12th man who help us a lot to get over the line on the field.”

Fernando Da Cruz’s side must score at least once to level the tie, while avoiding conceding if they are to keep their progress hopes firmly in their own hands.

“It’s obvious, but our first task is to get one goal and then go for another one, as well as focus on keeping a clean sheet,” said Leaner.

The goalkeeper said Kaizer Chiefs had reviewed the first meeting and identified areas in which they could improve against their opponents.

“We have analysed where we went wrong in Zambia and had a look at how they played and where we might capitalise on some of their weaknesses, so we believe we can succeed on Friday.”