Kaizer Chiefs shift focus to Zesco after gritty Marumo Gallants victory

The narrow victory may not have been fluent, but it delivered exactly what Amakhosi required before attention shifts to Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup meeting with Zesco United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze admitted that the Gallants encounter required careful squad management, with rotation forced by a demanding schedule rather than tactical preference.

Several players were handed rare starts, a move that disrupted rhythm but ensured key figures remained fresh for the upcoming continental assignment.

"Sometimes it's difficult because even when you don't want to rotate, it becomes a necessity," Kaze said.

The effects of those changes were visible in the opening exchanges, as Chiefs struggled for cohesion on a testing surface. Gallants pressed aggressively and made life uncomfortable, but Amakhosi showed discipline and patience, refusing to panic during a difficult first half.

Kaze was encouraged by the response after the break, particularly the influence of the substitutes who helped Chiefs regain control of the contest.

"The boys who came on helped us to put the foot on the ball and to play with more control," he explained.

That composure proved decisive as Chiefs eventually found the breakthrough, turning a potentially frustrating evening into a valuable three points.

Kaze made no apologies for the manner of the win, describing it as a significant result given the difficulty of Gallants' home ground.

With 30 points from 15 league matches, Amakhosi are already within touching distance of last season's total, offering a clear indication of progress. However, the technical team remain cautious, stressing that improvement remains ongoing.

The focus now firmly shifts to Africa, where Chiefs host Zesco United knowing the margin for error is slimmer on the continental stage. Buoyed by domestic momentum, Amakhosi will look to carry that resilience into a crucial Confederation Cup encounter.