Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has outlined how they are plotting to overturn the 1-0 deficit they suffered away at Red Arrows FC when they host the Zambian side in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
The Soweto giants are staring at elimination from the CAF’s second-tier club competition following the defeat in Ndola last weekend. With coach Fernando da Cruz already under pressure, failing to reach the Confederation Cup group stage could ring a death knell to his reign as Amakhosi coach after his appointment was announced in June 2026.
Chiefs are currently on a four-match winless run with three Betway Premiership draws and then the loss to Red Arrows. However, a comeback on Friday could inject some confidence in Da Cruz’s men to improve their fortunes in the league as well as firing them up in the group stage of the continental competition.
LEANER ON HOW CHIEFS PLAN TO UPSTAGE RED ARROWS
The away tie on Ndola was Leaner’s second official match for Chiefs after making his debut in the Betway Premiership against Golden Arrows FC just before the FIFA international break. After keeping a clean sheet against Abafana Bes’thende, Leaner conceded for the first time against the Zambian outfit.
But the former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper has revealed how they are plotting to muscle their way against Red Arrows tomorrow evening at 18:00 CAT. Chiefs need to win by a two-goal margin to proceed to the group stage, while a draw will be enough for Arrows to go through.
“It’s obvious, but our first task is to get one goal and then go for another one, as well as focus on keeping a clean sheet,” Leaner told Chiefs’ media department.
“We have analysed where we went wrong in Zambia and had a look at how they played and where we might capitalise on some of their weaknesses, so we believe we can succeed on Friday.”
HOW HOME SUPPORT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHIEFS
Leaner describes how Red Arrows fans created an intimidating atmosphere against Chiefs, making their lives difficult on foreign soil. Now playing in their own backyard, the Amakhosi shot-stopper feels they can also enjoy some home support which could unsettle their visitors.
“This game is very important for the club. Our goal is to advance to the group stage. We are a big team, and we are in a big competition,” the 28-year-old shot-stopper went on.
“We need our fans out in numbers to support us because in Zambia their fans made it a bit of an ‘intimidating’ environment, so we need our brilliant fans to reciprocate for the whole 90 minutes because it won’t be easy and our fans are our 12th man who help us a lot to get over the line on the field.”
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