Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu has called on his teammates to embrace a ‘fight or flight’ mentality as the Soweto giants play a crucial CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Zesco United in Zambia. Kick off at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is 3PM.
Fresh off a gritty 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday, a result that propelled Amakhosi to third in the Betway Premiership, Ndlovu believes the ‘by hook or by crook’ nature of that win is exactly what is required on the continent.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Matchday three fixture, Ndlovu reflected on a gruelling ‘mini preseason’ during the AFCON break. The midfielder emphasised that the victory against Arrows wasn’t just about three points; it was about psychological relief.
“That was the first thing that we needed as a team, and for myself too,” Ndlovu told club media. “It’s another year, you needed to open it with smiles for everyone. Preparations weren’t smooth; we had to grind… probably if you’re training once, you need to make another session. You needed to put that edge into your game.”
The stakes in Ndola could not be higher. Amakhosi currently sit third in Group D with just one point from their opening two matches. They suffered a 2-1 loss to Al Masry and a 1-1 draw with Zamalek. With Egyptian leaders Al Masry sitting on six points, Ndlovu knows the margin for error has evaporated.
“At this point in time, you look at the one who’s on top, and they’ve got six points. You need to catch up… If you don’t win a game on Sunday, it’s another story.”
CHIEFS HAVE TO DEFY EXTERNAL FACTORS
Zambia has historically been a difficult hunting ground for South African clubs. Zesco United has never lost to a South African opposition at home in four previous meetings. Ndlovu, however, is adamant that ‘fighting spirit’ will be the antidote to the hostile atmosphere in Ndola.
“I think the most important thing is going to Zambia… we know we’re going to face external factors that could be obstacles, but we need to have stronger minds,” he added. “I know that if you are fighting as an individual, the rest can copy that and join. When you are fighting as a collective, then everything is possible.”
The Glamour Boys travelled with a 22-man squad but are notably without key figures like Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Gaston Sirino. The injury list has forced co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef to lean on youth, including DDC graduates Takalani Mazhamba and Thulani Mabaso.
Ndlovu, who earned Man of the Match honours on Wednesday, is hungry for more. “Ndlovu is always working on achieving more. I’m being driven by certain goals that I’ve set for myself… hopefully I get more of what I received on Wednesday night.”
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