Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz and his skipper Inacio Miguel are both confident that Amakhosi have the quality and desire to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit against Red Arrows of Zambia when the teams clash in the second leg at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Friday, with a berth in the Group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup on the line.
Explainer | What Kaizer Chiefs need to do to reach CAF group stage
‘Very good team’
The French coach said, “We faced a very good team, as I mentioned before the first leg. It was a tough game in Zambia. Unfortunately, we conceded one goal from a set piece near the end so now our only objective is to qualify for the group stage.”
Miguel concurred, pointing out, “As the coach said, we were aware of the quality of this Red Arrows team. I don’t think we did as badly as people think. We conceded from a set piece, which is part of the game, but in general play I think we managed them quite well, only to lose concentration at one corner, which was costly. Still, nothing is lost yet, and we have already proved this season that we are capable of turning the tie around.”
Addressing the concession of the decisive goal from a set piece, Miguel added, “As a defender and captain, leadership and organisation is key and it is my responsibility if we concede from a corner. It is something that we constantly work to improve on and minimise our mistakes.”
‘Practiced all aspects of the game’
Da Cruz also mentioned when questioned whether they had paid particular attention to set pieces in training, “We have practiced all aspects of the game during the week, including set pieces, particularly on concentration and aggression.”
With hints of doubt being raised in some quarters of the media and fanbase, Da Cruz acknowledged his awareness of what it means to coach Kaizer Chiefs.
“From the day I took this job, I knew the pressure was very high and I put pressure on myself every day because I demand high standards of myself,” he revealed.
“We try, step by step, to improve our level to what we expect and what the fans expect. I am completely focused on the team because what is most important is to make the fans happy.”
Fans can be disappointed
He continued, “I understand that fans can be disappointed but it is always important to analyse the context; we have some important players out injured. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a fact and that should be kept in mind. We need our supporters behind us to push us and, on our side, to stay focused on our job, the football.”
Miguel reiterated the crucial role played by the fans follow and support the team, creating a motivating atmosphere that drives the players on.
“Sometimes a team goes through a difficult phase. Our supporters are our 12th man and we need them, especially tomorrow, to come to the game,” he said.
“I think we need to stick together from the first whistle to the last and we will give everything to do the job on the field. We are truly grateful to our fans for their loyalty and support, and we will fight to get the victory.”
Widespread attention
In reference to the ‘robust conversation’ between Reeve Frosler and Renaldo Leaner after the final whistle in Ndola last weekend that drew fairly widespread attention on social media, Da Cruz said, “There was no problem. It is common in football, especially when passion is strong that these things happen, but we didn’t need to speak to the players because there was no issue.”
Concluding with the approach for the encounter, Da Cruz offered, “It is imperative for us to score the first goal and afterwards, depending on the game situation, we will think about the second goal. However, it all hinges on getting the first goal.”
Tickets for the second leg clash are available through Computicket, as well as at Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide for R80.
Suite tickets are available for R1 699 and R2 899, and can be purchased through the MMS via email MMS.Hospitality@durban.gov.za or phone at 031 322 3115.
The fixture is scheduled for Friday, 23 October, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off at 18:00.
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