Amakhosi needed penalties to see off Angolan side Kabuscorp in their first round clash after being held to a 1-1 stalemate over two legs. Simba, meanwhile cruised to a 3-0 aggregate victory over Comorian team Djabal.
Chiefs' form has been patchy this season, and they come into this tie on the back of a 5-4 penalty defeat to Stellenbosch in the Carling Knockout Cup, and a 1-1 draw at home to AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership.
Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef were handed the reins until the end of the season following the official departure of former head coach Nasreddine Nabi - who led the team to victory in the Nedbank Cup last season, to end a decade without a top-flight trophy.
They will need a far improved performance from the display they put on over two legs against Kabuscorp in the previous rounds, explained captain Inacio Miguel.
He said on IOL: "We learnt from our mistakes, that's part of the process. We understand what we did wrong in Angola from day one. We can't repeat the same mistakes.
"We are more focused on winning so that we can go back home for the second leg more relaxed. But to achieve that, we need hard work and commitment. So, I think all of us are preparing for that."
Miguel added that he is looking forward to seeing a number of new players get their chance to perform in the CAF clash.
"It's important to have new blood. It's important for the team to have this competition among ourselves because it ensures we don’t relax — we have to keep working hard," he added.
"So, I am happy and looking forward to seeing Khanyisa Mayo and Lebohang Maboe perform on Saturday and help the team going forward."
Former Gabarone boss Dimitar Pantev was recently appointed head coach of Simba, as a replacement for Fadlu Davids, and upon his arrival at the club, he spoke about the potential of the squad.
He said on Biz Lens: "What I observed in each player during my assessment gives me hope. This is a talented team; every individual brings something unique. My job is to ensure we build a cohesive system that combines everyone's strengths.
"We will identify the best way to make us perform as a team on the pitch, step by step. I believe it is possible, and that is why I am here."
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Malongoane has urged Amakhosi supporters to remain patient with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, arguing that the pair needs time to understand the unique demands of South African football.
Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi says his early months at the club have been a steady, game-by-game learning process as he finds his feet in the top flight.
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has admitted his side continues to struggle in front of goal but insists the team is working hard to solve the problem ahead of Sunday’s clash with TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
Kaizer Chiefs played to a goalless draw against bottom-of-the-table Chippa United in their penultimate Betway Premiership fixture ahead of the AFCON 2025 break.
