Kaizer Chiefs are back on continental duty with very little margin for error.
After slipping up in North Africa, Saturday feels like a moment that could shape the rest of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Zamalek are in town for a 15:00 kick-off on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: KAIZER CHIEFS VS ZAMALEK
Amakhosi welcome Zamalek, knowing another slow start would deepen the pressure, while the visitors would be happy with a draw after a 1-0 win over Zesco United on opening day.
Gaston Sirino returns after suspension, while Khanyisa Mayo is fit again.
After an underwhelming showing in Suez, the Kaizer Chiefs technical team are expected to freshen things up. Pule Mmodi and Ashley Du Preez could be sidelined in favour of the more lively Asanele Velebayi and Khanyisa Mayo.
In the middle of the park, Lebohang Maboe should earn his first start to replace Thabo Cele to inject sharper energy into midfield.
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the latest injury news: Fiacre Ntwari, Rushwin Dortley, Glody Lilepo and Aden McCarthy.
EXPECTED STARTING LINE UP:
Goalkeeper: Brandon Petersen
Right Back: Dillan Solomons
Centre Back: Inacio Miguel
Centre Back: Zitha Kwinika
Left Back: Bradley Cross
Defensive Midfielder: Sibongiseni Mthethwa
Central Midfielder: Lebohang Maboe
Right Winger: Khanyisa Mayo
Left Winger: Asanele Velebayi
Attacking Midfielder: Mduduzi Shabalala
Striker: Etiosa Ighodaro.
CAF has confirmed a major financial incentive for clubs competing in this season’s business end of the competition. The champions will walk away with USD 2 million in prize money, which works out to roughly R34.6 million. The losing finalist will not go home empty-handed either, earning USD 1 million, around R17.3 million.
Progressing beyond the group stages also comes with a solid payout. Teams that finish in the top two of their group and secure a place in the quarter-finals are guaranteed USD 550 000 (approximately R9.5 million). Meanwhile, sides that exit the competition in third or fourth place in the group will receive USD 400 000, translating to about R6.9 million.
