Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has urged the Amakhosi Faithful to turn out in numbers as the Soweto giants attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Glamour Boys host Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 23 October, with kick-off at 18:00 with a place in the 2026/27 competition’s group stage is at stake.
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Kaizer Chiefs head into the second leg needing a strong performance in front of their home supporters after losing the first encounter in Zambia.
Leaner believes the atmosphere created by the Khosi Nation could prove crucial as Kaizer Chiefs look to keep their continental campaign alive.
Renaldo Leaner calls on Kaizer Chiefs supporters
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Leaner stressed the importance of having the Amakhosi Faithful behind the team for the full 90 minutes.
“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,” he said.
The goalkeeper also pointed to the intimidating atmosphere created by Red Arrows supporters in Zambia, calling on Chiefs fans to provide the same level of backing in Durban.
“Our fans are our 12th man who help us a lot to get over the line on the field,” Leaner added.
Chiefs will need to balance attacking intent with defensive discipline as they attempt to turn the tie around.
What Kaizer Chiefs need to qualify
Kaizer Chiefs lost the first leg 1-0 and must win the return fixture to have a chance of progressing.
Under the away-goals rule, the scoreline in Durban will be particularly important.
- A 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs win: The aggregate score would be level at 1-1, sending the tie into extra-time and potentially a penalty shootout.
- A 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs win: Amakhosi would advance 2-1 on aggregate.
- If Red Arrows score: Kaizer Chiefs would need to win by at least two goals to progress, with an aggregate tie favouring the Zambian side on away goals.
Leaner said the team’s immediate priority was to find the opening goal while ensuring Red Arrows did not score.
“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,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs have studied Red Arrows
Leaner revealed that the technical team had analysed the first-leg defeat and identified areas where Kaizer Chiefs could improve.
“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,” he said.
The return leg presents Kaizer Chiefs with an opportunity to respond in front of their supporters and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
However, Red Arrows will arrive in Durban holding the advantage and needing to protect it over the course of the match.
Ticket prices for Kaizer Chiefs vs Red Arrows
Supporters wishing to attend the match can purchase tickets through Computicket or at Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide.
General tickets cost R80, while hospitality tickets are available at R1 699 and R2 899.
Suite tickets can be purchased through the Moses Mabhida Stadium hospitality team by emailing MMS.Hospitality@durban.gov.za or calling 031 322 3115.
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