Kaizer Chiefs had their first training session at the Suez Canal Authority stadium in Ismailia, where they will meet Egyptian giants, Zamalek in the final fixture of Group D on Saturday to determine their future in this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. A draw will suffice for Amakhosi to finish top of the standings, but co-coach, Cedric Kaze and striker, Ashley Du Preez have designs on taking all three points.

“Tomorrow will be a decisive game for both teams. We had a good journey to Egypt. The conditions are good here. We know our opponents and they know us too because we have already played each other in South Africa,” Cach Kaze told the assembled media, adding, “Zamalek are a big team and we expect a tough match but we are up for the task. We have our own plans and we will go into the game with determination in front of a fanbase that is very supportive, although we are also used to playing in front of big crowds. I hope it’s a good game and that we come out with a positive result.”

The coach also mentioned that Amakhosi are in a better position than they were when the teams drew 1-1 on Match-Day 2, noting, “Kaizer Chiefs had not played in continental competition for a few years and we started slowly but, as the group has progressed, we have grown in confidence and believe we can compete against any team.”

Meanwhile, Du Preez expressed the sentiments of his teammates when he said, “We are ready. We have worked hard to be in this position and we are going to give it a hundred percent tomorrow. The players are very excited for this match and motivated to get the result we need to go through (to the knockout phase). Even though we only need to draw, as Kaizer Chiefs we come here with the intention to win, so I don’t think we’ll just sit back and play not to lose.”

The crucial encounter kicks off at 18:00 on Saturday, 14 February.