Kaizer Chiefs has received a boost ahead of Saturday’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter against Zamalek SC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, following the full-training involvement of several key offensive players.
The Soweto giants are fresh from a 2-1 defeat by Al Masry in their opening match of the group campaign last Sunday. That leaves them pushing to recover by collecting their first set of maximum points in this pool.
Failure to win on Saturday, especially in front of their home fans, could see pressure mounting in the Amakhosi camp. That would complicate their trip to ZESCO United for the third group match in January 2026.
They now face Zamalek who started on an encouraging note with a 1-0 victory over ZESCO at home. After visiting Al Masry without five key players due to injuries and suspension, the situation in Chiefs’ camp appears to have improved.
WHO ARE THE RETURNING CHIEFS PLAYERS?
The Soweto giants are currently camped in Polokwane, preparing to host the White Knights. Khanyisa Mayo and Wandile Duba have been participating in full training ahead of the Zamalek match.
The duo did not make the trip to Al Masry, with Mayo having last featured in a competitive match for Chiefs October 22 when he was injured in a Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC. The CR Belouizdad loanee has missed four games since he suffered that fitness setback.
Chiefs also welcome back midfielder Gaston Sirino from suspension which ruled him out of the Al Masry match. It is a timely selection option for Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
Sirino boasts of vast experience in continental football from his days being involved in crucial CAF Champions League matches with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Luke Baartman and Khanyiso Shinga who also did not travel to Egypt are part of the Limpopo camp. Both are yet to make official debuts for Chiefs after arriving at Naturena during the last player transfer window.
However, Amakhosi will again be without injured striker Glody Lilepo and Aden McCarthy.
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