Kaizer Chiefs seek CAF Confederation Cup lift after Nedbank Cup setback

Kaizer Chiefs will not host Al Masry in their penultimate CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off) still reeling from their midweek Nedbank Cup last-32 defeat to Stellenbosch.

Instead, they will be eager to apply the lessons learned from the crushing loss in the Mother City as they target a place in the continental competition’s knockout stage.

And that is how it should be. While Chiefs were keen to keep their Nedbank Cup title defence alive with victory over Stellies, they cannot afford to cry over spilt milk. Their focus must now shift to the two remaining competitions: the Betway Premiership and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chiefs are currently third in the league standings with 30 points, five behind log leaders Orlando Pirates after 15 rounds of matches. This progress has put them in good stead to still challenge for top honours and return to the pinnacle of local football for the first time since May.

Before looking too far ahead, Chiefs must ensure they remain in contention for a place in the continental knockout stage. Victory over Al Masry on Sunday could see them climb to the top of Group C or move into second place – should Zamalek defeat Zesco United in a simultaneous kick-off in Zambia.

Speaking after the loss to Stellies and ahead of the clash with the Egyptians, Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze reflected on the consequences of the two matches with a positive mindset rather than dwelling on disappointment.

“I learn every day, especially in defeat,” Kaze said. “Most people think that when they win, they are the best. It is in defeat that you need to learn and take lessons from. I think the players learned things the hard way.

“I think it’s a defeat that ensured that everyone – the players and the coaching staff – learned even more.”

Kaze added that Chiefs are constantly under scrutiny, regardless of results, noting that pressure is part and parcel of representing the club.

“Kaizer Chiefs are a team that do not wait to be eliminated from a competition to be under pressure; the pressure is there every day. It comes with the badge and the club you are in,” he said.

“We have to do everything to make it happen in the league and the CAF competition. We are confident that we have the tools to do it. Like I said, today’s (Tuesday’s) defeat is a lesson for all of us. We now know that nothing comes easy, and we need to stay focused all the time.”

Chiefs are expected to welcome back key players such as Lebohang Maboe, Glody Lilepo, and Mfundo Vilakazi to the starting line-up against Al Masry after they were either rested or began on the bench against Stellenbosch.

While that approach was precautionary, given the congested fixture schedule, Kaze insists it was no excuse for the defeat, stressing that every Chiefs player must be ready to rise to the occasion when called upon.

“The rotation you have to do is because of all the minutes the players have put in,” Kaze explained. “But the players who started are still Kaizer Chiefs players and are supposed to handle those kinds of games – you need to be able to play against Stellenbosch.”