Kaze: Chiefs Will Qualify For Knockout Stages

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze expressed pride in his team’s fighting spirit after they fought back from conceding early to earn a 1-1 draw against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. 

Speaking on SABC Sport after the match, Kaze acknowledged that the game didn’t go in their favour, but he was impressed with the team’s determination to come back.

“We made a few substitutions after 15 minutes, but we kept believing that we could come back, we kept our beliefs, but unfortunately, we scored in the last minutes of the game,” Kaze said, referring to the team’s late equaliser through Dillan Solomons in the 95th minute.

“But I’m so proud of the boys because they did everything they could, and I’m happy with this fight and mentality. I’m sure we’re going to qualify for the knockout stages.”

Chiefs had a tough time in the match, conceding within the first five minutes to Seifeddine Jaziri’s goal.

Amakhosi further suffered a blow when Bradley Cross and Gaston Sirino were replaced by Paseka Mako and Mfundo Vilakazi due to injuries before the 20-minute mark. Despite the setback, Chiefs continued to push forward, with Kaze praising their structure and attacking mentality.

“It was a tough game against a tough team, and we kept our structure of attacking as we were attacking and crossing,” Kaze added.

“We believe that we push until the end, and we manage to equalise.”

Solomons’ late strike was assisted by Mfundo Vilakazi, and it marked his second goal and the second time these two combined, having scored in Chiefs’ opening loss to Al Masry last weekend.

Amakhosi will now take a break from the Confederation Cup for the AFCON 2025, which will be held in Morocco from December to January 2026.

They will resume their campaign on 25 January, facing ZESCO United, who are also without a victory after losing both their opening games against Zamalek and Al Masry.