Chiefs face tough balancing act after CAF setback

KAIZER Chiefs are under pressure after a rocky week on both domestic and continental fronts. A defeat in Angola and a stumble in the Premiership have left Amakhosi needing a quick turnaround.

Continental setback in Luanda

Chiefs’ return to continental competition began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kabuscorp SCP in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The match in Luanda on Saturday was a tight contest. Mduduzi Shabalala and Glody Lilepo combined early to force a save, but chances were limited. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen kept Chiefs level at the break with a fingertip stop.

The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Substitute Julio Matondo rose to head in Afonso Mafuta’s cross, beating Petersen. Chiefs finished strongly after Kabuscorp were reduced to 10 men late on, but the hosts held firm.

Adding to their difficulties, head coach Nasreddine Nabi was absent, leaving Cedric Kaze and Khali Ben Youseff in temporary charge.

The result followed a 3-1 Premiership defeat to Sekhukhune United in midweek, ending Chiefs’ six-match unbeaten run.

What’s needed at FNB Stadium

The second leg is set for Saturday, September 27, at FNB Stadium (3pm). Chiefs must win by at least two clear goals to progress.

A 2-0 victory would secure passage to the next round, while a 1-0 win would send the tie to penalties — an outcome supporters would prefer to avoid.

Should Amakhosi advance, the road to the final still includes another preliminary round, the group stage, and three knockout phases. Chiefs’ best finish in this competition remains the Last 16 in 2013/14.

Domestic focus returns

Before their continental decider, Chiefs must turn quickly back to Premiership duties. They face Marumo Gallants on Heritage Day, Wednesday, at FNB Stadium (5.30pm).

Amakhosi sit third on the log with four wins, one draw, and one loss from six games. Gallants, meanwhile, are ninth.

Fixture congestion has become a familiar challenge across the league. Rivals Orlando Pirates, for example, have just 48 hours to recover between CAF Champions League and domestic matches.

For Chiefs, the Gallants clash is as much about restoring momentum as securing three points. The caretaker team must balance rotation with performance to keep players fresh while meeting fan expectations.

Victory on Wednesday would provide a timely lift ahead of the must-win second leg against Kabuscorp, where continental survival will be on the line.