Kaze Dismisses Travel Fears Ahead Of Zamalek Clash
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has played down concerns about travel fatigue and home-ground advantage ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter against Egyptian giants Zamalek in Ismailia on Saturday evening.
Amakhosi will face Zamalek at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium at 18:00, knowing that a victory will secure their place in the quarterfinals as they currently sit at the top of the group with 10 points.
The match will mark the second meeting between the two sides following their 1-1 draw in the first leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier in the campaign.
Despite the long journey from South Africa and a demanding fixture schedule in recent weeks, Kaze insists neither side will have an upper hand when they meet on Egyptian soil.
“I don’t think there will be an advantage of any kind to any team because we are used to this thing of travelling a lot, which is physically demanding as well,” Kaze said.
“We have played a lot of games, especially the last two weeks, more than Zamalek. To play midweek or at home, for me I would have chosen to play at home and midweek while going to a very important game on the weekend.
“No one will get an advantage in this game, we’re going there to play on the front foot and try to play good football that will allow us to be in the game and get positive results.”
Chiefs have lost only once in the group stage – against Al Masry – a result Kaze believes did not reflect their performance on the day, while also highlighting the progress the team has made since returning to continental competition after a lengthy absence.
“I think that as a Kaizer Chiefs we’ve been out for five to six years not playing CAF competitions,” Kaze added.
“The first game was away, and I don’t even think that we lost by deserving to lose, but the pitch and also our mistakes. But also, I think that time our players had more confidence that we could face any big team.
“We know that our chances are there, we just have to believe and work hard, pay attention to small details, and we can do it.”
With Stellenbosch already eliminated from the competition, the Soweto giants carry the responsibility of flying the South African flag as they push for a historic continental triumph.
Amakhosi are not only targeting qualification for the knockout phase but are also determined to continue their pursuit of becoming the first South African side to lift the Confederation Cup.
