Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed their 23-man travelling squad for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg against Red Arrows in Zambia. The team departs from Naturena on Thursday ahead of Saturday's 15:00 kick-off at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The group includes goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma and recent goalscorer Mduduzi Shabalala, who netted in the 1-1 midweek draw with Stellenbosch. Experienced defenders like Zitha Kwinika and Reeve Frosler are joined by emerging talents Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba. The selection comes as Chiefs sit fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 14 points from eight games.
Da Cruz eyes continental progress
Head coach Fernando Da Cruz is optimistic about the team's potential in Africa this term. He acknowledged the challenge posed by the Zambian side. "I know that Red Arrows is a big club and have been participating in the CAF competition for many times, hence I expect a balanced match," Da Cruz said.
The coach indicated the squad would be similar to the one that faced Stellenbosch, with a couple of possible changes. "We will not recover our injured players," he added. "It will take a bit of time, but I’m confident in our squad." The aim is to improve on last season's group stage exit, which came on goal difference despite an 11-point haul.
Chiefs are unbeaten in their last four domestic matches, a run they will look to translate into continental success. The return leg will be scheduled after Saturday's first encounter in Ndola.
First reported at kaizerchiefs.com
