Kaizer Chiefs return to familiar ground on Saturday afternoon looking to reignite their CAF Confederation Cup campaign when they welcome African giants, Zamalek SC, to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

It is a heavyweight Group D encounter that comes with both challenge and opportunity. The Glamour Boys returned back on home soil after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Egypt last weekend, a result that left the team disappointed but far from discouraged. Meanwhile, Zamalek began their group campaign on a winning note, overcoming ZESCO United of Zambia in Cairo

For Amakhosi, the clash represents a chance to respond immediately, to reset their campaign. Head coach Cedric Kaze believes their trip to Egypt offered enough encouragement to fuel confidence going into the Zamalek clash, despite the setback on the scoreboard.

“We didn’t start as well as we would have loved to in the previous game, but we still have five games to play,” said Kaze at the CAF press conference ahead of the match. “Even though we lost, there were moments where we were good at what we wanted to do. We are very confident about tomorrow’s game. These are the matches that everyone wants to play, against big teams like Zamalek and it’s a good way for us to redeem ourselves.”

Kaze pointed to key lessons from the Al Masry encounter, particularly in crucial moments at both ends of the pitch.

“Everything comes with experience in how you manage a game. The second goal we conceded from a set-piece was unfortunate, and due to a technical mistake. We were good before that, but it taught us that we must be more clinical and more focused in both boxes. It’s a lesson we have taken forward,” he said.

Forward Khanyisa Mayo echoed the positive mood inside the camp, highlighting both the intensity and the prestige of competing in African club football.

“It’s a different ball game when it comes to CAF competitions,” said Mayo. “North African teams are very physical compared to South African teams, but we are up for the test. The mood in the camp is high and we are expecting a very beautiful game.”

Mayo, who brings his own experience of continental football, emphasised the responsibility and pride that comes with representing the Club on the African stage.

“Playing in CAF competitions comes with huge responsibility. As a player, you want to see yourself playing in CAF every season and it’s a great platform for both the team and the players. It’s not easy, but playing in our own backyard will be better because we will have our supporters with us,” he added.

With the match returning to home soil, the players will once again lean heavily on the backing of their passionate supporters, drawing energy from the stands to secure the win.

“We need the 12^th man,” said Mayo. “Their support will be a huge boost for us as we go in search of maximum points.”