Kaizer Chiefs know what is expected of them in order to gain an advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, first-leg clash against AS Simba at Stade TP Mazembe on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
Chiefs are just two games away from qualifying for the continental group stage for the first time since reaching the CAF Champions League final in 2020. They’ll be determined to get the job done and ease the pressure currently surrounding the club.
Amakhosi are currently without a head coach, having recently parted ways with Nasreddine Nabi. His former assistants, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, have taken over on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The duo, who had already been holding the fort during Nabi’s recent compassionate leave, haven’t had a great run. They are winless in their last three Betway Premiership matches and were recently knocked out of the Carling Knockout in the last 16.
However, Kaze and Ben Youssef did manage to guide the team through the first qualifying round, overcoming Kabuscorp of Angola on penalties after levelling the tie 1-1 at home, following a 1-0 defeat in the away leg.
To avoid another tight situation like the one they faced against Kabuscorp, captain Inacio Miguel has outlined the team’s approach heading into the clash in Lubumbashi.
“We learnt from our mistakes — that’s part of the process. We understand what we did wrong in Angola from day one,” Miguel told the Chiefs’ media department this week. “We can’t repeat the same mistakes.
“We are more focused on winning so that we can go back home for the second leg more relaxed. But to achieve that, we need hard work and commitment. So, I think all of us are preparing for that.”
AS Simba will pose a different challenge compared to Kabuscorp, particularly as they play on a synthetic pitch. Miguel is aware of this and shared insights into what the team expects from their Congolese opponents.
“We know that they are very physical, and they play in a very small stadium,” Miguel said. “So, there’ll be a lot of long balls and a lot of duels. We are ready for that, and we’ll deal with it.”
Indeed, Chiefs must be fully prepared for the trip to Lubumbashi. Unlike the Kabuscorp encounter, they have now injected new blood into the squad, which could help them get a positive result — including a crucial away goal — against Simba.
“It’s important to have new blood. It’s important for the team to have this competition among ourselves because it ensures we don’t relax — we have to keep working hard,” Miguel added.
“So, I am happy and looking forward to seeing Khanyisa Mayo and Lebohang Maboe perform on Saturday and help the team going forward.”
It’s not just those two expected to strengthen the team. Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi are also brimming with confidence after representing Bafana Bafana and Amajita in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and U20 FIFA World Cup, respectively.
Both national teams had noteworthy international spells. Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2026 global showpiece, while Amajita were knocked out in the second round of the global event in Chile.
“For me, it’s actually not a surprise that they both did well,” Miguel said. “I know what these young boys are capable of doing for the country. They can even do more. I am happy for them and proud of the work they’ve been doing at Kaizer Chiefs.
“Shabalala earned his reward with Bafana. I hope he keeps his feet on the ground and continues working hard — because this is just the beginning for them.”
