Motaung On Chiefs Return To Continental Football
Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. has expressed immense pride as Amakhosi prepare to return to high-stakes continental football.
Chiefs will kick off their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign with a tough away fixture against Egyptian side Al Masry at the Suez Stadium on Sunday.
“I’m very excited. This is the African stage. It’s where we want to be,” Motaung said on Chiefs website.
Chiefs have been drawn in the so-called ‘group of death’ containing two top Egyptian opponents, Al Masry and Zamalek, as well as Zambian side, Zesco United.
However, Motaung is undaunted, believing the groundwork that has been done over the past fortnight will serve the Glamour Boys well in their quest to reach the knockout stage.
“We’re expecting a tough test in Egypt, which is well known for its passion for football,” he said.
“Once we knew the draw and the destinations, we had to prepare thoroughly and, coming from the FIFA international break which we have used wisely, we are optimistic of giving our fans a good performance.”
He added: “The technical staff have put the players through their paces. Our opposition have been thoroughly researched and analysed, so there is a positive feeling within the camp regarding the task at hand.”
Following their lengthy return trip traversing the full span of Africa, Amakhosi host the other Egyptian side, Zamalek, at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, six days later on Saturday, 29 November.
Motaung has his sights set on putting down a marker at the outset to show their rivals that they mean business.
“Everyone in the group is playing to win, and these are two very important games for us against tough opponents right at the start,” he admits.
“But we believe we pose a significant threat ourselves, and we are going out to get maximum points.”
