Kaizer Chiefs want to build a squad that is capable of competing for the biggest prize in African football, the CAF Champions League, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr admits.
With the club returning to CAF inter-club competitions this season after winning the Nedbank Cup, it marks a first taste of the continent since finishing runners-up in the Champions League in 2019.
Chiefs were drawn against Zamalek, Al Masry and ZESCO United in the Confederation Cup group and while Motaung Jr says it’s a step-by-step mission, they have not built a squad to simply compete, but to try and win the title.
“I think everyone is participating to win, if not, then they shouldn’t be participating,” he said about their ambitions this season.
“We knew that last year, we wanted to get back in Africa, we were able to do so – and we know our goals that are set up for next year. So of course, we’re looking to make sure we get to the next stage which is the knockout phase.
“We have to take it step by step and progress as far as you can. This team needs to play to win, the supporters are expectant of us to succeed, so we go into it, and give it everything we can, because we want to give our supporters as much joy and success as possible.”
The vision remains clear under his leadership, noting the step process, Amakhosi are dreaming of building a squad capable of competing for a star – and joining Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns as teams from South Africa to have won the African Champions League.
“A team of our size wants to be in the Champions League… we have not been in Africa for a while and I think the Confederation Cup is a very welcome step for our progression from last season,” he stated.
“Of course we want to be in the Champions League, fight amongst the best, be amongst the best and I think the star is something, as a big club, you need to have – that’s a long-term objective and we pushing as best we can to make sure we do that.
“Chiefs need to be on the biggest stage and we have to make sure we do the best we can.”
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