With qualification still unsettled, the Soweto giants face a stern test away from home in the final round of group fixtures.
Amakhosi currently sit top of Group D, but the margin for error remains slim. Chiefs require at least a draw to confirm their place in the quarterfinals, while defeat would leave their future dependent on the outcome of the clash between Al Masry and Zesco United.
Defender Zitha Kwinika has stressed that mental strength will be key against the Egyptian giants, warning that Chiefs must be prepared to endure difficult phases during the contest.
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“It is a very important game. We know what is at stake and we are ready. They are a good team, and every team at home is dangerous, so we must be aware of that and understand that at times we will have to suffer,” Kwinika said, as quoted by Phakaaathi.
The centre-back added that Chiefs must remain disciplined going into this clash, while adding that playing a number of competitions is part of the game having to balance between the Betway Premiership and the continental tournament after being eliminated in the Nedbank Cup.
“We must be strong in those moments but also show that with the quality we have, we can compete. That is what we signed up for,” he said.
Amakhosi’s rise to the top of Group D has not been straightforward. They collected just one point from their opening two matches before finding momentum, with three consecutive victories lifting Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze’s side into pole position overall.
“I think the journey has been a bit difficult,” Kwinika reflected. “We had to adjust early on, and the boys grew from that, which shows we are improving game by game.”