Kaizer Chiefs are in Zambia on this hot afternoon as they prepare to face Red Arrows in Ndola. The clash marks the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup hosted at the famous Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Coach Fernando Da Cruz has opted for continuity, making only one change to the side that started against Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership earlier this week. Wandile Duba makes way for Luke Baartman, who will lead the attack. The coach’s decision reflects confidence in the current lineup and a commitment to consistency as Amakhosi embark on their continental campaign after doing fairly well last season.

The Glamour Boys will line up in a 4‑3‑3 formation.

Renaldo Leaner will mind the goalposts.

Thabiso Monyane plays at right back, Inacio Miguel and Thabo Moloisane form the central pairing, and Bradley Cross completes the back four wide on the left.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa once again anchors the midfield, with support from Paseka Mako on the left and Reeve Frosler on the right.

Tuesday’s goal scorer Mduduzi Shabalala will operate from the left of attack, with Mfundo Vilakazi on the right and Baartman spearheading the frontline.

The match official from Eswatini are Thulani Sibandze, assisted by Zamani Simelane and Banele Thwala. The fourth officlal also from the the neighbouring Eswatini is Sanele Ntimane.

Miguel is the captain.

The match will be played in sweltering conditions in Ndola, adding another layer of challenge to this crucial away fixture. Amakhosi Supporters should note that the game will NOT be televised live in South Africa, as the home team was unable to secure broadcasting rights for our local broadcasters, SABC.

Amakhosi faithful are encouraged to stay tuned on our X (Twitter) platform for updates and coverage as the team aims to secure a valuable advantage before next week’s decisive second‑leg clash in Durban.

Chiefs XI: Leaner (16); Miguel © (14), Moloisane (19), Frosler (39), Cross (), Mthethwa (5), Monyane (2), Mako (29), Shabalala (7), Vilakazi (28), Baartman (11)

Subs: Bvuma (40), Dortley (24), Nkgwesa (38), Mabaso (34), Velebayi (17), Abrahams (23), Da Silva (9), Duba (36), Ighodaro (33)

Coach: Fernando Da Cruz

Red Arrows XI: Kalumba (16); Phiri (2), Malonga (13), Mwamba (5), Chilimina (22), Chisimba (19), Diarra (8), Onyumbe (4), Mandanji (20), Lubamba (14), Mumba (7)

Subs: Mainza (1); Katema (6), Kanyembo (9), Kalamba (18), Mubili (26), Kalota (25), Yusuf Phiri (33), Banda (28), Kabwe (33)

Coach: Chisi Mbewe