Kaizer Chiefs will adopt a strategy perfected by their domestic rivals
by sending advanced delegations to Egypt to prepare for their challenging
CAF Confederation Cup group stage matches against Al Masry and Zamalek.
Drawn into a tough Group D alongside Zesco United, Egyptian giants
Zamalek, and Al Masry, Amakhosi face two demanding trips to North Africa.
In response, the club’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., has
confirmed they will follow the blueprint of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando
Pirates by dispatching teams to scout logistics and conditions ahead of
the squad’s arrival.
“[The advanced team is] massive. And I think it’s something the club has
always done,” Motaung Jr. stated after the draw. “Even recently in our
prelim games, we sent through management, logistics to go and have a look at
the environment, get an understanding of partners in the different
countries.”
He elaborated that this meticulous planning extends far beyond the 90
minutes on the pitch, covering critical aspects like travel, security, and
player nutrition. “We can sit down and plan with our stakeholders how do we
approach the journey from a travel perspective, from a dietary perspective.
So I think all the planning and the work begins now.”
Motaung Jr. openly acknowledged learning from the established continental
processes of Sundowns and Pirates, noting that Chiefs intend to leverage
this model. “They’ve been in these competitions and they’ve got that
well-oiled security, understanding the landscape. So it’s very important.
It’s something that we’re going to lean heavily towards.”
With the group stage presenting a formidable challenge, Chiefs are betting
that this thorough, proactive approach will provide a crucial competitive
edge in their continental campaign.
