For some members of the Kaizer Chiefs squad, landing safely in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday morning brought back familiar memories while for others it invoked a sense of adventure into the unknown, as they headed 150km east to Suez, where they will open their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group D campaign against Al Masry on Sunday.

One player who has seen it all before is Lebohang Maboe, who was signed by Amakhosi at the start of the season partially because of the extensive experience of CAF continental competition he acquired with previous clubs.

The 31-year-old’s knowledge about playing in far-flung locations will be invaluable to those getting their first taste of performing in front of throngs of highly partisan, often hostile, supporters, as he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com, “We are about to embark on a very important journey. We have looked sharp in training and are all ‘amped up’ for the game on Sunday. Given that it’s an away game, we expect a tough, physical challenge but we know the importance of getting off to a good start so we are going there to get something, not just make up numbers.”

He continues, “Al Masry are a good side with a well-defined shape, using a diamond midfield and wingbacks, plus two mobile strikers up front. We are aware that we’ll have to be at our best against them on their home turf but we believe in ourselves and are looking forward to the test.”

At the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old Asanele Velebayi, expressed his excitement to be breaking new ground in his fledgling career.

“Obviously, it’s a huge moment for me to be travelling in Africa, to Egypt, for the first time. We have watched some of the Egyptian league as part of our preparation so I am expecting a difficult game, but I am really looking forward to the challenge,” he says.

“To be honest, personally, I’m a little bit nervous but we have players who have experienced playing at this level before, whom I trust to share their knowledge of what to expect,” he admits, while feeling a sense of comfort for having a few ‘wise old heads’ to consult.

Regarding the challenge that awaits them, he says, “For us, the first priority is not to concede any goals. That’s not to say we won’t try to win but keeping it tight at the back puts us in a better position to achieve a positive result.”

The match at the Suez stadium kicks off at 18:00 on Sunday, 23 November.