Kaizer Chiefs coach eyes league and CAF glory

Chiefs were knocked out of the Ke Yona Cup by Stellenbosch FC, ending their hopes of defending the Nedbank Cup crown they lifted in 2025. The disappointment followed an earlier elimination from the Carling Knockout, leaving the Soweto giants with only the league and continental competition to fight for silverware this season.

AmaKhosi currently sit third on the Betway Premiership table with 30 points from 15 matches, five behind leaders Orlando Pirates, while they are also placed third in their CAF Confederation Cup group with seven points.

With pressure mounting, Kaze insists that expectation is part of life at Naturena and believes the squad has the quality to compete on both fronts. And the Nedbank Cup exit should be a lesson rather than a setback.

"Kaizer Chiefs is a team that does not wait to be eliminated to feel pressure. That pressure is there every day because of the badge and the kind of club you are in. We have to do everything to make it happen in the league and in the CAF Confederation Cup," said Kaze.

"This defeat is a lesson for everyone in the club that nothing comes easy. We need to stay focused all the time and use all the tools we have. We are confident about winning both competitions."

The Chiefs co-coach also offered a positive update on the injury front as Chiefs prepare for a demanding run of fixtures that could define their season.

"I'm happy that in the next week we will have players coming back from injuries. George Matlou has been training this week, while Thabo Cele trained over the last two days," he added.

"Etiosa Ighodaro is still out, while Bradley Cross and Sibongiseni Mthethwa are expected to return if they pass their fitness tests."

Chiefs will now shift full focus to continental action as they host Al Masry at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday before travelling to Egypt to face Pyramids.