Kaizer Chiefs are facing a crucial match in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with their second-leg clash against Angolan side Kabuscorp looming. Trailing 1-0 after the first leg, Chiefs are in a must-win situation when they host Kabuscorp at FNB Stadium this Saturday.
Assistant coach Cedric Kaze has called for calm amidst the drama surrounding the team, particularly the sudden departure of head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Reports suggest a fallout between Nabi and the management over trust and licensing issues, casting a shadow over the club’s preparations for this critical match. Despite these challenges, Kaze emphasized that the focus remains on delivering results for the fans and continuing the work Nabi started.
Kaze, along with fellow assistant Khalil Ben Youssef, is tasked with leading the team in Nabi’s absence. The coaching staff has remained professional, prioritizing the club’s goals and the upcoming match. “Every team goes through such moments. We are here to work for Kaizer Chiefs, and we are determined to bring the club back to where it belongs,” Kaze said, signaling his commitment to pushing forward despite the setbacks.
The squad, however, will be without several key players for the second leg. Mayo could not be registered in time, while Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu are sidelined due to injuries sustained in their 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership. These absences put extra pressure on the remaining players to step up.
Vice-captain Zitha Kwinika is optimistic about the upcoming fixture, noting that the team now has a better understanding of their opponents. “We know their style and how they play. Now it’s up to us to work on corrections and give our best,” Kwinika said. This confidence will be vital as Chiefs seek to overturn their first-leg deficit.
With domestic results also underwhelming, including their recent draw against Gallants, Chiefs’ hopes of advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup are increasingly intertwined with how they perform in this high-pressure scenario. The absence of Nabi, combined with mounting scrutiny on the interim coaching staff, means that Saturday’s clash could define the trajectory of their season.
