Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze expressed satisfaction with his
team’s performance and character in their 1-1 CAF Confederation Cup draw
against Zamalek SC this past weekend but called for critical improvements in
front of goal.
Amakhosi earned their first point in Group C at the Peter Mokaba Stadium,
creating numerous chances but only converting once—a shortcoming Kaze
pinpointed as the difference between a draw and a potential victory.
“I would say that is why every time they give the Ballon d’Or to the
attacking players, because those are very difficult positions to play. I
will not blame anyone, but they tried their best,” Kaze told the media,
highlighting the challenge of finishing.
He stressed the need for greater concentration in the final third and
improved support for the strikers. “Today we tried crosses, we tried to play
through the defence with short passes. We tried everything. I think [we
need] to level up a little bit our concentration in front of the net, and as
we got it right in defence, I’m pretty sure we will get it right in attack.”
Kaze framed the single point as a respectable outcome given a challenging
start, which saw Chiefs concede early and suffer two injuries within the
first 15 minutes, forcing immediate substitutions. He also acknowledged the
tactical gamesmanship of North African opponents.
“When you play against North African teams, when they are leading, you have
to stay very calm and be prepared not to be frustrated and nervous because
sometimes they try to kill the momentum of the game,” he noted.
Despite these setbacks, the coach praised his team’s resilience. “I believe
that after the first 15 minutes, we were the better team on the field…
What I saw today, I saw a team that believes in themselves and a team that I
believe is going to qualify.”
Chiefs now turn their attention to domestic duties, with a Betway
Premiership clash against Chippa United on Wednesday. A win is crucial as
they aim to close the gap on league leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi
Sundowns.
