CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
Smiso Msomi|Published
Kaizer Chiefs youngster, Mfundo Vilakazi says the Amakhosi are determined to win in Zambia in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi is determined to leave Zambia with a victory as Amakhosi prepare to face Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
The teams meet at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie.
Vilakazi, affectionately known as ‘Obrigado’, is confident Chiefs are ready for the challenge despite the hot conditions in Zambia.
“Training was good. It’s very hot here but we’ll manage. I think we are ready for tomorrow,” Vilakazi told the club’s official website.
The 20-year-old will take encouragement from his previous experience at the venue, having featured when Chiefs defeated ZESCO United during last season’s Confederation Cup group stage.
That familiarity has strengthened his belief that Amakhosi can produce another positive result in Ndola as they look to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg.
“Last time we played here we won so I think we must do the same again,” he said.
Chiefs will be hoping to make their experience count as they pursue a place in the competition’s group stages after falling short at that hurdle last season.
However, Vilakazi knows the challenge posed by Red Arrows cannot be taken lightly, with Chiefs having already studied their opponents ahead of the encounter.
“We saw some of them in our video session. They are a good team and we won’t underestimate them,” he said.
The midfielder’s comments reflect a focused approach from the Soweto giants, who will be eager to secure a result away from home before the return fixture in Durban.
Vilakazi has also received a boost on the international front following his recent call-up to South Africa’s under-20 national team.
While the recognition represents an important step in his development, the Chiefs youngster insists his immediate priority remains helping his club navigate a demanding continental assignment.
“I’m really happy about it but for now I am totally focused on my club and what we need to do,” he said.
For Vilakazi, Saturday’s encounter offers another opportunity to demonstrate his growing maturity and contribute to Chiefs’ continental ambitions.
Amakhosi will need discipline, concentration and composure against a Red Arrows side determined to make home advantage count.
With Vilakazi drawing confidence from his previous success at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Chiefs will hope that experience can help them secure the first-leg advantage they are targeting.