Kaze: Kaizer Chiefs’ comeback shows they have quality to challenge anyone

CEDRIC KAZE saw enough in Kaizer Chiefs’ come-from-behind 1-1 draw with Zamalek to be convinced that Amakhosi can qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup knockout phase.

Two matches into the round-robin phase of the continent’s secondary club competition, Chiefs sit third in their group with a single point. As expected, Egyptian sides El Masry and Zamalek are in control – the former on top with two wins, the latter on four points.

By holding Zamalek 1-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a last-minute goal from Dillan Solomons, Chiefs have given themselves a fighting chance, although North African teams remain the favourites to progress.

Kaze sees it differently.

“I saw a team that believes in themselves, and that’s a team I believe is going to qualify,” said the Burundian coach, who shares technical leadership with Ben Youssef Khalil.

“It’s a result that, if you look at how the game was played, is a good point. We could have got more, but football is like that, and we are happy with the point we got.”

Given Chiefs’ poor start – conceding in the third minute when Seifeddine Jaziri gave Zamalek the lead – they had reason to be pleased and confident about progressing.

The injuries to Gaston Sirino and Bradley Cross forced unplanned changes, yet Chiefs still managed to secure a point.

“It was tough conceding the goal in the first three minutes, and with those two injuries in the first 15 minutes, we had to make substitutions. But I felt we were the better team on the field early on. In the end, we got one point, and we will focus on the next game.”

With this squad new to continental competition, Kaze says valuable lessons are being learned.

“I think we are learning the hard way in CAF competitions that conceding goals can come from lack of concentration. But I feel like the reaction of the players after conceding – being on the front foot, trying to make things happen – shows we have the quality to hurt anyone. Securing the point can give us extra motivation and belief.”

Adding to Kaze’s confidence is the fact that Chiefs staged a comeback against a North African team, renowned for protecting leads.

“When North African teams are ahead, you have to stay calm and be prepared. Do not be frustrated or nervous. We know when you touch their players, they often go down to disrupt the flow of the game.”

He also praised the support from the Limpopo fans.

“The supporters from Polokwane came in their numbers, and getting the point at the very end was a push from the fans. We thank them and promise to do everything to make them proud.”

Next up for Chiefs are back-to-back clashes against Zesco United, who have lost both of their opening matches.