Kaizer Chiefs branch from Midrand unites rivals and families for derby trip to Soweto

The Kaizer Chiefs team advanced to the next stage of the Carlin Cup after defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Round of 16 match, which took place on Tuesday evening at the FNB Stadium. This victory gives the team confidence ahead of the upcoming derby in Soweto against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Vandile Duba was the main hero of the 'Amakhosi' match, scoring his first hat-trick in the top division. Spectators not only voted for him as Man of the Match but also gave him a standing ovation, chanting 'Duba, Duba, Duba' after he left the field.

In the second half, Chiefs not only scored goals but also provided valuable playing time to some players who were previously on the bench due to injuries, such as Flavio Silva. This factor should provide the team with more options for use in the upcoming derby.

Before this match, Chiefs were under pressure due to a series of setbacks, including elimination from the AFC Confederation last Friday. However, at the start of the game, the team showed a sluggish start, not demonstrating urgency in the first half.

Fans were clearly disappointed with this game, shouting at the players and the team. Coach Fernando da Cruz, meanwhile, valued every created opportunity and successful tackle, urging his team to act.

Since chances were few, both goalkeepers barely participated in the first half. This probably pleased Da Cruz, given that he made several defensive changes, including giving Rashvin Dortle the starting spot, who had been on the bench for over a year due to injury.

Chiefs returned in the second half with new energy and began to dominate the visitors. They quickly got a goal when Vandile Duba finished a cross from Pule Mmodi in the penalty area. The team continued to apply pressure, and they managed to score again when Mdudzu Shabalala was awarded a penalty after a foul by Veluke Zulu in the box. Vilakazi converted the penalty, but the ball hit the post, after which Duba reacted quickly and scored the rebound.

Duba completed his hat-trick by bypassing the offside trap and receiving a pass from Shabalala, after which he was one-on-one with goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula, whom he beat with precision and power.

Mathebula's night was interrupted by an injury that forced him off the field, and he was replaced by Sifo Maseti, who experienced almost no pressure since Chiefs had effectively secured the win. Thanks to the three goals scored and the clean play this evening, Chiefs will gain a huge morale boost before Saturday's derby.

The Kaiser Chiefs team faced the need to overcome a deficit after a 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows from Zambia in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, which took place on Saturday.

The visitors conceded a goal in the 76th minute of the match at Levi Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, meaning they will have to work on themselves in the return match if they want to advance to the group stage.

Chiefs, who qualified through walkover in the first preliminary round, hoped to start their continental campaign positively. Instead, they return to South Africa needing a win after failing to hold off the hosts in the final minutes of the game.

This loss also compounds a difficult week for the Soweto giants, who drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership mid-week.

On the trip to Zambia, Chiefs made only one substitution: Luke Bartman replaced Vandile Dubu in attack. Due to a shortage of injured midfielders, Riv Froesler played again in the center of the field alongside Sibongiseni Mtethwa, as the visiting team sought to demonstrate disciplined play away from home.

Although Chiefs seemed to hold Red Arrows for most of the match, their inability to deal with a corner kick came at a high cost. The hosts capitalized on the corner kick in the 76th minute to open the scoring and gain a slight advantage before the return match.

For Chiefs, the late conceded goal will be particularly frustrating, given the importance of maintaining balance in this confrontation before the second leg. Now Amakhosi must quickly regroup and find a way to break down the Red Arrows' defense when the teams meet again at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 23rd.

Since a spot in the Confederation group stage is at stake, Chiefs will require more decisive play in front of goal, as well as an improvement in their defensive organization. The 1-0 scoreline keeps the contest open, but now the pressure is entirely on the Soweto side to succeed at home.

The Kaizer Chiefs team must consider the warning signs from their Zambian rivals before the upcoming clash with Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.

Historically, Amakhosi have had mixed results in matches against Zambian clubs at the continental level: out of six previous encounters, they secured two victories, one draw, and suffered three defeats, scoring four goals and conceding seven.

The first confrontations took place back in 2000 in the CAF Cup against Nchanga Rangers, where Chiefs initially lost 2–0 at home, followed by a 0–0 draw away, leading to their elimination from the tournament.

A later unsuccessful experience occurred in the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup against ZESCO United, where the team lost 3–1 away and 2–1 at home, resulting in a 5–2 aggregate defeat.

Nevertheless, last season Chiefs managed to change the situation, securing 1–0 victories both away and at home during the Confederation Cup group stage.

These positive results give the team hope ahead of the game against Red Arrows, although the Zambian club presents a different challenge and intends to succeed in the competition.

Red Arrows qualified for the second preliminary round after defeating FC Rouge from Madagascar 4–0 on aggregate over two matches.

The match will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where Red Arrows will host Chiefs. The first match will give both sides an opportunity to gain an advantage before the return fixture scheduled in South Africa.

For Chiefs, the timing of this match creates an additional complication. The team approaches this continental confrontation after a draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premier League on Tuesday.

Given the limited time for recovery and preparation, coach Fernando Da Cruz must carefully manage the squad as the team shifts focus from domestic duties to African competitions.

Chiefs have also confirmed a squad of 23 players for the trip to Zambia, including Rushwin Dortley, Inácio Miguel, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Flavio Da Silva.

The team's main objective is to return home with a result that ensures a strong position for the second match, scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, October 23rd.

An additional motivation for Chiefs stems from the fact that last season they narrowly missed the Confederation Cup playoffs, finishing the group stage with 11 points but losing on goal difference.

Thus, advancing to the group stage is a crucial priority for Coach Da Cruz's team, aiming to improve upon last season's performance.

Recent statistics against Zambian clubs show that this challenge cannot be underestimated. However, two victories over ZESCO last season also demonstrate that Chiefs are capable of competing successfully against teams from that country.

The Saturday meeting with Red Arrows will test whether Amakhosi can maintain this momentum in yet another intense continental tournament.