Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has praised the game-changing
presence of striker Etiosa Ighodaro, following the team’s historic 3-1
victory over AS Simba that secured their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup
group stage berth.
An elated Kaze credited the team’s winning mentality for the landmark
achievement. “We are very happy to qualify for the group stages; it’s
history for the club,” Kaze told SABC Sport. “We went into the game with the
right mentality from the first minute, wanting to make things happen. I’m
very happy for the club, the players made a tremendous effort, and for the
fans too.”
Kaze specifically highlighted how Ighodaro’s attributes were central to
their tactical plan. He explained that the lineup was chosen to create
varied attacking threats, emphasizing the need for players who could provide
the final pass, deliver on set-pieces, and shoot from distance.
Crucially, Kaze pointed to Ighodaro’s aerial ability as a key weapon. “To
have a player like Ighodaro in the box, a striker that’s difficult in the
air, it helped us a lot,” he said. This threat was complemented by “the
speed of [Glody] Lilepo,” giving the Amakhosi multiple offensive options
that ultimately proved too much for the Congolese side to handle.
