Amakhosi Confident: “We Can Hurt Al Masry” – Motaung Jr.
Kaizer Chiefs return to continental football this weekend with a renewed sense of ambition and a bold message from Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr., who believes Amakhosi are primed to make a serious statement in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. Chiefs open their Group D campaign on Sunday with a demanding trip to the New Suez Stadium, where they face Egyptian powerhouse Al Masry.
Speaking before the team departed Johannesburg on Wednesday, Motaung Jr. expressed immense pride at seeing the Soweto giants back on the African stage—a platform he insists the club belongs on.
“This is the African stage; it’s where we want to be,” he said. “We’ve prepared thoroughly since the draw came out, and there’s a strong belief in camp that we can go to Egypt and deliver a big performance.”
Chiefs find themselves in one of the toughest groups in the competition, drawn alongside 2023 finalists Zamalek and Zambian giants Zesco United. Nonetheless, Motaung insists Chiefs are not in Egypt to merely survive—they are there to compete.
“Everyone in this group is playing to win, but we believe we pose a significant threat ourselves,” he continued. “These opening two matches, away to Al Masry and then at home against Zamalek, will set the tone. We are going out for maximum points.”
Head coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef will welcome key returns as the squad regains fitness after the FIFA break. New signings Etiosa Ighodaro and Lebohang Maboe have reached full match readiness, while defenders Paseka Mako and Given Msimango have made the travelling squad. Rising centre-back Aden McCarthy, Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett and Rushwin Dortley miss out.
Chiefs’ recent form offers quiet optimism—they are unbeaten in nine matches in regulation time and have won their last three in all competitions. Their opponents, Al Masry, boast defensive resilience, conceding just once in five games.
The fixture also rekindles Chiefs’ continental memories—they last reached a CAF group stage in 2021, when they sensationally advanced to the Champions League final.
Kick-off at the New Suez Stadium is at 18:00 CAT on Sunday, 23 November, with broadcast details set to follow.
FULL CHIEFS TRAVELLING SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Brandon Petersen
Bruce Bvuma
Defenders
Thabiso Monyane
Dillan Solomons
Bradley Cross
Paseko Mako
Given Msimango
Zitha Kwinika
Inacio Miguel
Midfielders
Sibongiseni Mthethwa
Thabo Cele
Geroge Matlou
Siphesihle Ndlovu
Lebohang Maboe
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
Mduduzi Shabalala
Mfundo Vilakazi
Forwards
Asanele Velebayi
Pule Mmodi
Etiosa Ighodaro
Ashley du Preez
Flavio Da Silva