Fernando da Cruz expects Kaizer Chiefs to face a difficult examination in Zambia as Amakhosi begin their Caf Confederation Cup campaign against Red Arrows in Ndola on Saturday.
Chiefs travel to the Levi Mwanawasa Stadium for the first leg of the final qualifying round, with a place in the group stages at stake. The Soweto club reached the group phase last season but failed to progress to the quarter-finals.
Da Cruz warned that Red Arrows possess the physicality and attacking threat to trouble his side, while uncertainty over playing conditions adds another challenge.
“They are a strong team with strong players. They play on offensive transitions and with long balls,” he said. “We don’t know very well what the conditions will be like in Zambia.”
Chiefs left South Africa on Thursday with a 23-man squad, still without injured players Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Adolf Mtasingwa and Langelihle Phili.
The midfield absences have forced Da Cruz to consider alternative options, with Reeve Frosler deployed in the centre during Wednesday’s 1-1 Premiership draw against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium. The defender could retain his place against Arrows despite an underwhelming team performance.
“We already tried Reeve in midfield in pre-season,” Da Cruz said, highlighting his versatility and aerial ability. With Ndlovu and Maboe injured and Mtasingwa ill, the coach admitted his options were limited.
Da Cruz also confirmed he had recovered after missing his post-match media duties against Stellenbosch because he had been vomiting.
Red Arrows booked their place in the final qualifying round with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Madagascar’s Inate Rouge. Their coach, Chisi Mbewe, said facing a club of Chiefs’ stature would motivate his players.
“Games against big teams like Kaizer Chiefs are self-motivating for the players,” Mbewe said. “We need to ensure we get the job done here in Zambia before we travel to South Africa for the return leg.”
Chiefs will hope to secure a positive result away from home before the decisive second leg in South Africa.