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Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze says their qualification for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup comes as a huge relief and could be the turning point to build winning momentum.
Chiefs advanced to the second round of the preliminary stage after edging Angolan side Kabuscorp 5-4 on penalties at FNB Stadium yesterday.
The game had ended 1-0 to Amakhosi, levelling the tie 1-1 on aggregate after 180 minutes. Coming into the clash on the back of a three-match winless run, including two defeats, Kaze admitted the result was a much-needed boost going forward.
"It is a very big relief to go through to the next round, and it's very important to create that positive winning momentum in every player's mind."
Chiefs dominated the first half and were rewarded just before the break when Glody Lilepo struck from inside the box to put them in front. But Kabuscorp proved stubborn, forcing the game all the way to penalties.
Kaze reflects on this game.
"I think in the first half we had three or four opportunities to score, and going into the second half, we didn't play as well as we had hoped, and there were also instances of some fighting on the field which disrupted the flow of the game."
Just as in the first leg, Chiefs had to cope with a bruising physical contest, but Kaze praised the team’s preparation.
The next round of the CAF inter-club competition is scheduled for the weekend of 17–19 October, with Chiefs set to face the winner between Simba DC of Congo-Brazzaville and Djamel of Comoros.
Chiefs have registered a 34-man squad for the competition, minus Samkelo Zwane, who has since joined Siwelele FC on loan.
With six spots still available, should they reach the group stages, Kaze gave an update on who could be available for the next round.
