Kaizer Chiefs sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, has welcomed the club’s tough draw in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, viewing the challenging opponents as a chance to make history and a logistical advantage.
The draw, which took place on Monday in Johannesburg, placed Amakhosi in Group D alongside two Egyptian giants, two-time winners Zamalek SC and Al Masry, as well as Zambia’s ZESCO United. Chiefs qualified for the group stage after an aggregate 3-1 victory over AS Simba in the second preliminary round.
Motaung Jr believes that, although the opposition is formidable, the clustering of two North African teams and ZESCO’s proximity are a silver lining for the club’s continental campaign.
“I think it’s very exciting. Apart from the opposition, the things you look at are logistics and the environment. We’re very fortunate with that draw in terms of two trips to a top country [Egypt].”
KAIZER JR SEEKS REVENGE AGAINST ZAMALEK
He singled out the clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek as an opportunity for ‘revenge’ and to create new history. “I mean, we have a little bit of revenge with Zamalek. I think you heard the stats. The last time we played them was 1993. I think that time the club lost on away goals. So nice bit of history. A massive institution, Zamalek in itself… So, we’re very privileged,” explained the former Amakhosi striker.
Travelling to Egypt for both Zamalek and Al Masry, he believes, will be of great benefit. “I think it’s two clubs from the same country. It kind of helps us plan our routes and logistics.”
Chiefs’ third opponent, ZESCO, also carries a historical element, though one Chiefs will be keen to rewrite.
“I think also ZESCO, of course, we have a bit of history with ZESCO, too. I mean, the last time we played ZESCO, they beat us, I think it was 5-2, and we’ve never beaten a Zambian team,” he admitted. “I think the way it’s set up, it’s a little bit of history that we can create, also a shorter flight, so I think in terms of logistics and planning, I think we welcome it.”
The group stage matches will commence on the weekend of November 21. The Soweto giants, who were CAF Champions League finalists in 2021, will be aiming to reach the knockout stages.
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