Kaizer Chiefs have decided to focus on the African continent to gain a new surge of energy and increase their chances of winning trophies this season, especially following a mixed performance in the Betway Premiership championship.
In the league, the team secured three victories and played five draws. Although they remain in fourth place without any losses with 14 points, they trail the tournament leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, by nine points, considering that the latter played an additional match.
Amakhosi's problems with maintaining stability were evident on the field. Before the international break due to FIFA matches, the team suffered significant losses due to defensive errors. Furthermore, a lack of cohesion and inefficiency in attack led to a draw against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening.
Nevertheless, the team has now focused its attention on the first match of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage qualification against Red Arrows. This match will take place at Levi Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on Saturday.
De Klerk noted that the team will have many games this month. He emphasized: 'It will not be easy. At the end of the month, we have the Carling Cup and the Soweto derby. The start of this competition will allow the team to create new dynamics.'
Speaking about the Carling Cup Round of 16, where Chiefs were eliminated at home against TS Galaxy, De Klerk confirmed that the technical staff has thoroughly studied their Zambian opponents.
He commented: 'They are a strong team with powerful players who transition quickly into attack. They know the stadium conditions very well, which could be a problem for us. But we are going to Zambia to achieve a positive result and establish a strong position before the home match.'
On Thursday, Chiefs announced their 23-man squad for the trip to Ndola, which has minimal changes compared to the squad that played against Stellenbosch. Key players Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu are still listed as injured, but De Klerk expressed full confidence in the available group.
De Klerk explained: 'Compared to the squad against Stellenbosch, it will largely be the same, with one or two substitutions. We have not yet recovered our key injured players, which will take a little longer, but we fully believe in the squad we are taking with us.'
