Da Cruz’s approach against a hungry Red Arrows in the Copperbelt

Kaizer Chiefs start their CAF Confederation Cup campaign this weekend, with head coach Fernando Da Cruz having sized up their opponents, Red Arrows ahead of the of the 2nd round of the preliminary stage.

The two teams meet in the first leg tomorrow at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, and Chiefs will be hoping that their depleted squad brings back a positive result .

Da Cruz has also identified Red Arrows’ strengths, in a game that will require a composed approach.

“We know the expectation is very high in this competition as well for Kaizer Chiefs.

We analysed our opponents and we were able to establish that they are a very powerful side that likes to play on the transition.” Chiefs had a good run in the CAF Confederation Cup last season, qualified for the group stages, and were unlucky to miss out on reaching the quarterfinals on the final day.

Chiefs squad was troubled by midweek injuries when they faced Stellenbosch FC, and some players have not fully recovered, including Lebohang Maboe and Khanyisa Mayo, who are still keeping fit with the DDC team.

Da Cruz says there won’t be too many changes from the midweek squad.

Red Arrows are also no strangers to this tournament, but they have never been through to the group stages in the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup before.

Da Cruz stressed that continental football is a different level to the domestic game.

“It’s exciting to begin a new competition and all of us are focused on this game before us.” Next Kaizer Chiefs Match! #TotalEnergiesCAFCC Red Arrows vs.

Kaizer Chiefs Men’s 1st Team Saturday 17 October 2026 Levy Mwanawasa Stadium 15h00 SAST #KCOneAfrica #Amakhosi4Life #TheKingdomRises #LoveAndPeace https://t.co/O6wL0TZw1E — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 15, 2026