Flavio Silva and Inacio Miguel have a unique advantage as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their CAF Confederation Cup match against Kabuscorp SCP on Saturday. Both players, drawing from their connections to Angolan football, have provided insights into what the Soweto giants can expect in Luanda.
The Soweto giants are set to face Angola’s top-flight side, Kabuscorp, in the first leg of the Confed Cup’s preliminary round. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Talatona.
This encounter marks the seventh time Chiefs have faced an Angolan club, and their third visit to the Estádio 11 de Novembro. Amakhosi have a strong track record in Luanda, having secured a win over Primero de Agosto and a draw against Petro Atletico during their 2020/21 CAF Champions League campaign.
Overall, Chiefs are undefeated against Angolan clubs, with three wins and three draws in their six previous matches. They also have an impressive streak of keeping clean sheets in their last five continental games against Angolan teams. Chiefs will be aiming to continue this unbeaten record and kick off their Confed Cup campaign with a win.
However, Chiefs will be without their head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, who did not travel with the team to Angola. According to the club, discussions about his future are ongoing, with the coach expected to head out the exit door at Naturena. In his absence, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will lead the team.
MIGUEL AND FLAVIO WARN OF TOUGH BATTLE
Amakhosi captain Miguel, who played two seasons for Petro de Luanda, is familiar with Kabuscorp’s style.
“Kabuscorp are a very physical team,” he warned. “They play vertically, similar to some PSL teams. They play long balls, they are dangerous with second balls, and they have individual players who can decide a game.”
For Miguel, the match is also a homecoming. He said playing at the Estádio 11 de Novembro is an emotional experience for him, as the stadium was his home ground while at Petro. The Chiefs captain, who scored his final goal for his former club against Kabuscorp, is highly motivated to secure a victory for the Soweto giants.
On the other hand, Silva, who grew up in Portugal, has a strong familiarity with the Angolan playing style. He noted their flair and talent but is confident in Chiefs’ ability. “They are very skilful, but we also have talent and quality, so we expect a tough game, but we are confident in our ability to get a positive outcome,” he said.
The new striker, who has already made an instant impact with two goals, is eager to continue his good form in his first-ever CAF competition. “This is my first time playing in a CAF competition, so I am looking forward to giving it 100 per cent, along with my teammates,” added the lanky striker.
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