We’ll die on the pitch – Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa ahead of decisive Red Arrows clash

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa has issued a passionate rallying cry ahead of Friday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup second-leg encounter against Red Arrows, insisting that his team will give everything to keep their continental ambitions alive.

The South African midfielder, popularly known as ‘Ox’, has challenged his teammates to show maximum determination as they seek to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit against the Zambian side and secure qualification for the group stage.

Speaking to Sowetan, Mthethwa made his intentions clear, promising that Kaizer Chiefs would fight until the final whistle in their bid to progress in the competition.

“We will die on that pitch if that is what we should do to win,” he said.

The midfielder also identified the areas his side must improve to overcome their opponents, stressing the importance of winning individual battles, maintaining defensive discipline and preventing Red Arrows from scoring.

“We’ve seen how they play, so now the challenge is to outrun them. We must win every ball and make sure we don’t concede,” Mthethwa added.

Kaizer Chiefs head into the return fixture under pressure after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola last Saturday.

Red Arrows captain Alassane Diarra scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, giving the Zambian outfit a slender advantage heading into the second leg.

The result leaves Amakhosi with little room for error as they prepare to welcome their opponents to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 23.

Kaizer Chiefs must overturn the deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage alive, with the home fixture presenting an opportunity to respond in front of their supporters.

Mthethwa’s comments reflect the urgency within the Chiefs camp, with the midfielder calling for a collective effort and greater intensity from the opening whistle.

For Amakhosi, avoiding defensive mistakes will be just as important as finding the goals needed to turn the tie around. Conceding again would make their task considerably more difficult, while a disciplined performance could give them the platform to complete the comeback.

Kaizer Chiefs received a bye in the first preliminary round because of their CAF ranking, while Red Arrows advanced to this stage after eliminating Madagascar’s FC Rouge in September.

With a place in the group stage at stake, Mthethwa and his teammates know that Friday’s encounter could prove decisive for their continental campaign.