Kaizer Chiefs Ready to Turn Tide Against Kabuscorp in CAF Showdown
Kaizer Chiefs are determined to get back on track in the CAF Confederation Cup. Amakhosi heads into a crucial second-leg preliminary qualifier against Kabuscorp on Saturday at 3 pm. The clash comes after a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Angola during the first leg at Estadio 11 de Novembro last weekend.
The Soweto giants have struggled to find form recently, with a winless streak. Those includes a defeat to Betway Premiership leaders Sekhukhune United and a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at home on Wednesday night.
Coaching Uncertainty Adds Pressure
Chiefs are also navigating turbulence off the field. This is as coach Nasreddine Nabi and the club reportedly face irreconcilable differences over settlements, licensing issues, and trust. Nabi parting with the team also seems imminent. Stand-in coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have been tasked with steadying the ship but were unable to secure victory against Gallants. Despite Khanyisa Mayo giving Chiefs an early lead on his debut, Jaison Clifford’s equaliser denied them the win, increasing the pressure on the squad.
The draw also meant Chiefs could not close the gap on Sekhukhune United and second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who posted mixed results earlier.
Positive Takeaways Despite Results
Speaking after the Gallants match, Ben Youssef remained cautiously optimistic. “We focused on the importance of the game and aimed to regain confidence and fight for a Top 2 spot,” he said. “The performance was promising, but the result wasn’t. We now look ahead—every game is like a cup final, and we must play to win.”
Ben Youssef emphasized that the team’s performance is more important than the immediate result. “Even though we haven’t won the last three matches, the key is producing good performances. Results will follow if we continue to play well,” he noted.
Key Players to Step Up for Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs will rely on debutant Khanyisa Mayo to continue his scoring impact and on Gaston Sirino to recover from a disappointing outing against Gallants, where he missed a penalty and a clear chance. Some fans booed Sirino during the match, though the substitution and subsequent applause from supporters may help boost his morale.
“Sirino is a big player with experience,” Ben Youssef said. “Missing a penalty happens, but he remains confident and will continue to contribute to the team going forward.”
The Soweto side, technical team, and supporters will hope for a strong performance as Chiefs look to overturn the first-leg deficit and advance to the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers.
Related article: Khanyisa Mayo’s Debut Goal Overshadowed as Kaizer Chiefs Held by Gallants
