“Not Taking Risks”: Cruz Provide Squad & Injury Update Ahead Of Red Arrows Continental Clash
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz expects a tough challenge when Amakhosi take on Zambian side Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Saturday.
Amakhosi head to Zambia looking to bounce back after dropping points in the Betway Premiership, following a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday.
Chiefs will face Red Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as they look to secure a positive result away from home ahead of the return leg.
Speaking after the Carling Knockout Round of 16 draw, which paired Chiefs with TS Galaxy, Da Cruz acknowledged the strength of their opponents but expressed confidence that his side could return home with a favourable result.
“It is a strong team, with strong players,” said Da Cruz, who has since recovered after falling ill following the match against Stellenbosch.
“They play in transition and use long balls as well. We don’t know the conditions very well; maybe they will not be good. But we are going to Zambia to get a good result and come back in a positive mood for the home game.”
Da Cruz also indicated that Chiefs would make only a few changes to the team that faced Stellenbosch, expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to deliver a positive performance in Zambia.
“If you compare it with the squad from yesterday [Tuesday], it will be more or less the same,” he said.
“One or two players will change, but we will not risk our injured players. It may take a little bit of time, but we are confident in our squad.”
The second leg is scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium next weekend, where Chiefs will look to finish the job and progress to the next round.
