Is this the season that Kaizer Chiefs finally ends a 25-year continental trophy drought?
The Amakhosi famously claimed the CAF Confederation Cup (under its previous iteration) in 2001.
Ahead of their clash with Red Arrows, here’s why Chiefs need to return to the top of African football.
Kaizer Chiefs’ glory and near misses
Kaizer Chiefs stepped into PSL legend when they claimed the CAF Cup Winners Cup (later merged to form the Confederation Cup) in 2001.
The Amakhosi defeated Angola’s Interclube de Luanda 2-1 on aggregate in the final.
As cited by the club website, the teams drew 1-1 in the first leg, before a divisive 1-0 home win at Ellis Park.
The Angolan club protested a late penalty call, but it made no difference.
Patrick Mabedi slotted the spot kick in the 90th minute, sealing the trophy for Chiefs.
That same year, the Naturena giants were honoured by CAF as the Club of the Year.
In the years since, Chiefs have had a few opportunities to conquer African football.
In the 2020/21 Champions League, they went all the way to the final, before falling 0-3 to Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Chiefs also endured heartbreak in the 2025/26 edition of the Confederation Cup.
They ended the group stage level with Egypt’s Al Masry, but were eliminated on a goal difference of just 1.
Red Arrows stand in the way
Through their CAF ranking, Kaizer Chiefs received a bye for the Confederation Cup’s first preliminary round.
They will next face Zambia’s Red Arrows over two legs.
Details have been confirmed on the club’s official website:
17 October: First leg at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia (15:00).
23 October: Second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (18:00).
The winner over these two legs secures their place in the Confederation Cup group stage.
Why Chiefs need to end the drought
Kaizer Chiefs need to win if coach Fernando da Cruz is looking at keeping his job long-term.
The club is holding on to 4th place in the PSL after a draw against Stellenbosch FC on 13 October.
They also failed to reach the MTN8 semi-finals, losing 0-1 to Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.
Winning the Confederation Cup would put all the doubts to rest for the coach and the team.
It will also elevate the club against the likes of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers and the Brazilians have never won the Confed Cup, but have both claimed Champions League silverware.
DOES KAIZER CHIEFS NEED TO WIN THE CONFEDERATION CUP?
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