For years, the notion of Kaizer Chiefs as a continental force felt like a fading memory, a relic of a previous era. Yet, as the club prepares to face Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek SC, there is a palpable sense that the sleeping giant of Soweto is finally stirring.
Described by striker Flavio Da Silva as a “clash between two African giants,” this CAF Confederation Cup tie serves as the ultimate litmus test for the club’s recent resurgence.
And navigating the hostile terrain of Egypt is the final hurdle in a group stage that has redefined Amakhosi’s 2025/26 season, offering a chance to prove that their domestic revival can be translated into African authority.
Part of the Egyptian mission is Silva, the Guinea-Bissau international forward who has become the focal point of the Chiefs’ attack. While he is the club’s top goal scorer with six goals this season, his contribution in Egypt will be measured by tactical discipline. Chiefs need just a solitary point to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
CHIEFS’ MISSION IN ISMAILIA
“It’s an important moment for us. We had a long journey here and we are fully focused on what we have to do because we want to progress to the next round,” said Silva.
“I want to score more to help the team. As a striker, it is my job to do that. But the fact that we have quality players to set up the chances is a big help. Although my main task is to put the ball in the net, we still have a purpose as a team, which is to win, so I also have defensive duties, and I am happy to contribute every way I can.”
Chiefs qualified for the Confed Cup by winning last season’s Nedbank Cup, ending a painful 10-year drought. They have built on that momentum, sitting third in the Betway Premiership with 30 points, just two behind Mamelodi Sundowns and five behind leaders Orlando Pirates after 15 games.
However, Amakhosi have already tasted domestic disappointment this term. Following early eliminations in both the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup, the league and the Confederation Cup are the only two trophies left in Chiefs’ sights. In the Confed Cup, they currently sit atop Group D with 10 points after five games.
This Saturday’s encounter is the fourth meeting between these two institutions, a rivalry tracing back to 1993. Across their previous three encounters, the record is perfectly balanced. In 1993 Chiefs won 2-1 at home, but a 1-0 defeat in Cairo saw Zamalek prevail on away goals. This year, their matchday two meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
While the head-to-head is tight, the trophy cabinets tell a different story. Chiefs carry the legacy of the 2001 African Cup Winners’ Cup. But they face a Zamalek side that is true African royalty. The Egytian side boast 13 major continental titles, including five Champions Leagues and two Confederation Cups.
“They are a big team with experience at playing at this level. But we are not daunted by them,” added Silva. “We have our mission, and we are only focused on getting the result we need to go through. We expect a tough game, but we are ready for the fight,” he says. “It is a clash between two of the biggest clubs in Africa. So the vibes around this game are like a cup final, and that’s how we are viewing it.”
NAVIGATING THE ‘EGYPTIAN HOODOO’
History remains a formidable opponent. Chiefs have met Egyptian opposition 10 times, managing only two wins. More tellingly, they have never won on Egyptian soil, with three losses and a draw in four visits. The return to Ismailia is poetic. It is the same venue where a 1-1 draw against Ismaily in 2001 helped propel them toward continental glory.
Despite the “hoodoo,” Amakhosi head to Egypt with their tails high. Chiefs head into the Zamalek game following a 2-1 win over Al Masry. And after failing to win their first two group games in the CAF Confed Cup, Chiefs have won three in a row—the first time they have done so in an African group stage.
In addition, Chiefs have won five of their last six games in all competitions. Their last five wins have all been by a single goal, with four of those being 1-0 scorelines.
The much-anticipated encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium kicks off at 18:00 on Saturday, 14 February.
RELATED STORY: Mthethwa makes honest admission on Chiefs’ title chase