Kaizer Chiefs have found the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for their crucial CAF Confederation Cup group stage opener against Al Masry in Cairo, Egypt, following the upcoming FIFA international break.
Their next competitive fixture is scheduled for November 23, almost three weeks after their last match on Tuesday, November 4, allowing Amakhosi to fill this gap.
The Soweto giants are in Group D alongside Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Masry, as well as ZESCO United from Zambia. They are riding high after winning their last three matches across two competitions.
A 3-1 victory over DRC’s AS Simba secured their place in the group stages, while a last-gasp goal handed them a narrow 1-0 win over Durban City in the Betway Premiership. In their midweek fixture, the Glamour Boys convincingly defeated Orbit College 4-1.
A major advantage for co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef is the near-complete availability of their squad during the FIFA break. Midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala, who scored a brace against Orbit, was not selected for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming match against Zambia on November 14 in Gqeberha. He is the only Chiefs player recently called up to the South African national team in September and October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The only player set to depart for national duty is Guinea-Bissau striker Flavio Da Silva. This leaves the majority of the first-team players under the technical team’s watchful eyes ahead of the trip to Egypt.
HOW CHIEFS WILL PREPARE FOR CAF CONFEDERATION CUP TIE
The Legacy Cup, initially slated for October, was postponed and is now confirmed for Sunday, November 16, at the Prince Mangosuthu Regional Stadium in Ulundi. This one-day tournament will help the Glamour Boys prepare for their continental assignment.
The tournament also involves Betway Premiership side AmaZulu, eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspur and Njampela FC. Chiefs, who return to continental football, are keen to make an impact. Facing Al Masry in Egypt is a demanding start, and the opportunity to use the Mangosuthu Legacy Cup to achieve peak condition is a massive boost.
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