Kaizer Chiefs duo Mfundo Vilakazi and Kabelo Nkgwesa have shared their thoughts ahead of Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, first-leg tie against Zambian side Red Arrows.

The encounter will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday afternoon [15:00 CAT kick-off], where Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz will look to build on his continental track record after previously guiding Moroccan outfit AS FAR to the 2022/23 Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

Amakhosi arrived in Zambia on Thursday with a 23-man squad following a 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Stellenbosch FC, holding their final pre-match session on Friday at 15:00 to adapt to the heat and replicate matchday conditions.

Vilakazi, who returns to a venue where he tasted a 1-0 victory with Chiefs against Zesco United during last season’s group stage, insists the squad is focused strictly on execution, putting aside his recent selection to the South Africa national U-20 team.

“Training was good. It’s very hot here, but we’ll manage. I think we are ready…” said Vilakazi. “Last time we played here, we won, so I think we must do the same again. I’m really happy about [the national call-up], but for now, I am totally focused on my club and what we need to do. We saw some of them [Red Arrows players] in our video session. They are a good team, and we won’t underestimate them.”

KABELO NKGWESA READY FOR “AGGRESSIVE” AFRICAN FOOTBALL TEST IN ZAMBIA

On the other hand, Nkgwesa is relishing his first taste of competitive African club football. The 19-year-old left-back expressed readiness for the physical demands of the continental game.

“I am very excited for this wonderful opportunity, yet I know the objective of the team coming here,” Nkgwesa said. “What I know is that African football is very aggressive and very competitive, so I am ready mentally for whatever is going to happen.

“My teammates have also been sharing their experiences with me about getting into the right frame of mind. We are here to execute our own game plan, which we believe will be a winning strategy.”

The winner over two legs will secure a berth in the group stages, with the return leg scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.