Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo has explained why they can’t be referred to as underdogs ahead of the much-anticipated CAF Confederation Cup clash against Zamalek SC.
Amakhosi will host the Egyptian giants at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon. The Group D tie is set to kick off at 15:00.
The first time the two sides met in the CAF Inter-club competition was in 1993 during the second round African Cup of Champions Clubs.
Chiefs won the first leg 2-1 at home while Zamalek secured a 1-0 win in Cairo, and the Egyptian giants went on to be crowned African Champions that year.
Since then, Zamalek have won two CAF Confederation Cup titles, while Amakhosi came close to winning the CAF Champions League in 2020/21 but lost in the final to the Pitso Mosimane-coached Al Ahly. Amakhosi won the CAF Cup Winners Cup [now known as the CAF Confed Cup] in 2001.
WHY KAIZER CHIEFS ARE NOT THE UNDERDOGS AGAINST ZAMALEK
Mayo believes the home side doesn’t qualify to be called the underdogs, as they have the same qualities as their opponents.
“I wouldn’t say we are underdogs. We competed in the CAF competitions [before],” said Mayo.
“Sometimes I think about the experience that comes with it each and every time we qualify for the competition. I wouldn’t say we are underdogs. We have some of the biggest history on the continent. So I think at the level they [Zamalek] are and the level that we are, I wouldn’t say it’s much more different.”
However, the Amakhosi striker admitted that the CAF Confederation Cup is a different ball game entirely compared to the domestic scene, stating the team is prepared for the challenge ahead.
“It’s a different ball game when it comes to CAF competitions. I think we have prepared very well as a team, and we are looking forward to the game that’s coming tomorrow [this Saturday afternoon]. One thing is that North African teams are very physical compared to our South African players,” added Mayo, who is on loan at Chiefs from Algerian Ligue 1 side CR Belouizdad.
“But we are up for the test because I think we prepared the whole week, and the mood of the camp is very high. So we are expecting a beautiful game, and we will go all out to win the game.”
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