Kaze Confident Chiefs Can Compete Against CAF ‘Serious Clients’
Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze believes his side is capable of competing at the highest level in the CAF Confederation Cup, describing the teams that reached the group stage as “serious clients.”
Chiefs secured their spot in the group stages after overcoming AS Simba 3–1 in the second leg of the second preliminary round at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday, winning the tie 3–1 on aggregate.
The competition will feature several continental heavyweights, including Wydad Casablanca, Zamalek, CR Belouizdad, USM Alger, ZESCO United, Azam, Maniema Union, San Pedro, OC Safi, Singida Black Stars, Al Masry, Étoile du Sahel, Djoliba, Otoho, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC.
The CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw for both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup will take place on Monday, 3 November, at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, starting at 13h00 local time.
“I was checking on the teams that are in the CAF Confederation Cup — these are serious clients,” said Kaze.
“There’s Zamalek, Wydad, Belouizdad — very strong teams. We’re happy to have qualified and to be able to compete. These kinds of games will definitely add experience and belief to the players, showing them that they can make things happen.”
Meanwhile, Kaze provided an update on winger Glody Lilepo’s injury. The Congolese attacker was instrumental on Sunday, playing a key role in the first goal after his effort was parried into the path of Etiosa Ighodaro, who opened the scoring.
Zitha Kwinika added the second goal, before Lilepo powered home the third from a superb Mfundo Vilakazi corner just before halftime. However, he did not return for the second half and was replaced by Pule Mmodi.
“We’ll have to discuss it with the medical team, but it looks like a knock — not a serious injury,” Kaze explained.
“If it were muscular, that would be more concerning. I think it’s just a knock — one or two days of ice and he should be ready for Friday’s match against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium.”
