CAF Confederation Cup: Kaizer Chiefs Coach Hails Amakhosi Stars, Opens Up on Main Issue

Kaizer Chiefs stand-in coach, Cedric Kaze has showered praises on his players after their victory over Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

The Premier Soccer League giants were forced into a penalty shootout after their 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium leveled the aggregate score at 1-1 in the first-round preliminary qualifier of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Glody Lilepo found the back of the net but had earlier squandered a golden opportunity, in a match where Amakhosi should have built a comfortable lead by half-time. Brandon Petersen was incredible in goal and was crucial to securing Chiefs' place in the next round.

Kaze praised his players’ composure under pressure after Kaizer Chiefs were taken to penalties despite creating chances to extend their lead.

“We pushed hard to score a second after the opener and had several opportunities, but unfortunately we couldn’t convert and had to settle it in a shootout. I have to give credit to the boys — they stayed calm under immense pressure, and now everyone is happy. We’re through to the second round, which is great for the club and our supporters,” he said.

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Chiefs’ ongoing struggle in front of goal continued, with the match marking their eighth consecutive game without scoring more than once. However, Kaze believes the situation could improve as new signings are integrated into the squad.

Reflecting on the team’s attacking issues, Kaze noted that previous matches were often undermined by poor decision-making in the final third.

“In earlier games, the final pass or the movement leading up to it wasn’t good enough,” he explained.

“Today, the chances were there, and the final balls were better — we just didn’t finish them. The important thing is to keep working. The positive is that we’ll have more players and more options available for the next game, which we hope will make a difference.”

Source: Briefly News