Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Humphrey Mlwane has provided key insights into how the Soweto giants can overturn their 1-0 deficit against Zambian outfit Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round second-leg clash on Friday.
The Fernando da Cruz-led side will host Red Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with the kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg on Saturday, 17 October, at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, courtesy of a 76th-minute goal by Alassane Diarra.
To secure passage to the Confederation Cup group stage, Chiefs must win by a margin of two or more goals [e.g., 2-0 or 3-1]. A 1-0 victory for Amakhosi would tie the aggregate score at 1-1, sending the match directly to a penalty shootout.
HUMPHREY MLWANE ON KAIZER CHIEFS’ CAF CONFEDERATION CUP HOPES
In an interview with FARPost, Mlwane shared his assessment of what Chiefs must refine to ensure progression into the group stages.
“You know, I think the fans must expect a different performance from Chiefs in terms of the result, even though we were not able to watch the first-leg match. I watched their game against Stellenbosch FC for the first time in maybe three years since I watched a Kaizer Chiefs game live. It was very disappointing for me, to be honest,” Mlwane told FARPost.
“I think the coach needs to balance the team; at least put five defensive players and five offensive players. The last time, there were a lot of defenders [seven defenders against Stellenbosch]. I think he should also stick to players who can move the ball quicker because, in their game against Stellenbosch, they were too slow. I think they need to move the ball quicker and then increase the intensity.”
Mlwane further emphasised the significance of early momentum and tactical discipline on home soil.
“Another thing is that they must make sure that they score first so that they will be able to settle and score more goals. They mustn’t allow Red Arrows to settle into the game in order to win this match. They must also be able to win individual battles because that’s very important; if you win individual battles, it becomes easier for the team to win the game,” Mlwane added.
“The players also need to work on their confidence because, from what I saw in their game against Stellenbosch, the players lacked a little bit of confidence. They passed when they should have dribbled with a player in front of them. They must play with belief because it is possible for them to turn the tables around in this game. Also, they must work together as a team, and I think they will be able to get a positive result.”
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