Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner says it’s vital for the success of the team to have their supporters fully behind the team.
Amakhosi are trailing Zambia Super League side Red Arrows 1-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup second qualifying round clash played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium last week.
They have also struggled in the Betway Premiership this season with just 14 points from their opening eight league matches, although they are still yet to lose a Premiership tie.
As they prepare to host Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, Leaner has called on the club’s faithful to come out in numbers to back their team.
“This game is very important for the Club. Our goal is to advance to the group stage,” Leaner told the club’s website.
“We are a big team, and we are in a big competition. We need our fans out in numbers to support us because in Zambia their fans made it a bit of an ‘intimidating’ environment.
“So, we need our brilliant fans to reciprocate for the whole 90 minutes because it won’t be easy and our fans are our 12th man who help us a lot to get over the line on the field.”
Leaner has taken over the goalkeeping responsibilities at Chiefs following an injury to first-choice Brandon Petersen.
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“It’s obvious, but our first task is to get one goal and then go for another one, as well as focus on keeping a clean sheet,” added the shotstopper.
“We have analysed where we went wrong in Zambia and had a look at how they played and where we might capitalise on some of their weaknesses, so we believe we can succeed on Friday.”