Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze admits there’s some heavy hitters in the form of three giants of North Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup but they are looking to compete this season.
Chiefs secured their place in the group stage of the competition for the first time in the club’s history after a convincing 3-1 aggregate win over Linafoot side AS Simba.
Goals from Etiosa Ighodaro, Zitha Kwinika and Glody Lilepo in the first half was enough for Amakhosi to cruise into the next round and Kaze concedes it will be an interesting road ahead to compete in the continental showpiece.
“I was checking the teams in the CAF Confederation Cup and it’s actually some serious clients; Zamalek, Wydad, Belouizdad, such good teams, we’re happy to go there and to compete,” Kaze said.
“As you said – it’s true this kind of games add experience to the players and also add belief to players that they can make things happen.”
The Burundian went on to open up on the experience the youthful squad will gain in Africa, with the likes of Lebogang Maboe, Gaston Sirino, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Inacio Miguel, and Zitha Kwinika expected to lend a helping hand to several of the rookies in the squad.
“I believe every player will have a part to play in this season, not only for CAF games, but league, Nedbank Cup – we need everyone to do their part,” he said about the squad now being tested in different competitions.
“There’s experienced players that have played continental games, Maboe, Sirino, Mshini, Miguel, Zitha, many of them,” Kaze said about gaining continental experience this season.
“You know everyone is going to be very important because you cannot go through if you don’t have a very good group and we hope everyone will contribute to that.”