Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed a 23-man travelling squad for their important CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round clash against Zambian outfit Red Arrows as they aim to secure a place in the competition’s group stage.

The Soweto-based club announced the selected players on Thursday, October 15, 2026, ahead of Saturday’s encounter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 local time, with head coach Fernando Da Cruz preparing his team for a challenging continental assignment.

The squad provides Chiefs with several options across different positions, featuring goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attacking players. The selection combines younger talents with more experienced members of the team as Amakhosi seek to deliver a competitive performance away from home.

The three goalkeepers named are Ronaldo Leaner, Bruce Bvuma and Takalani Mazhamba. In defence, the travelling party includes Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Nikolaus Nkgwesa, Miguel Inacio, Rushwin Dortley, Zitha Kwinika, Reeve Frosler, Bradley Cross and Thabo Moloisane.

The midfield department features Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thulani Mabaso, Mduduzi Shabalala, Ethan Chislett, Mfundo Vilakazi, John Paul Baartman, Asanele Velebayi, Faiz Salah and Flavio Silva. Wandile Duba and Etiosa Ighodaro are also included among the attacking options. The final matchday selection will determine which players take to the pitch against the Zambian side.

Chiefs will approach the fixture determined to improve on their previous continental campaign. Despite collecting 11 points during last season’s group stage, they narrowly missed out on advancing because of an unfavourable goal difference. Reaching the latter stages of the competition is therefore an important objective for the club this season.

However, facing Red Arrows in Zambia presents a difficult challenge, particularly with the home side expected to make the most of its advantage. Chiefs will need to remain organised defensively, control the midfield battle and take their scoring opportunities if they hope to return to South Africa with a favourable result.

The timing of the fixture also presents a demanding schedule for Da Cruz and his technical team, who must prepare the squad for continental football shortly after their domestic league commitments, including the match against Stellenbosch FC.

The return leg is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 18:00. Qualification will be determined by the aggregate score across both matches.

For Kaizer Chiefs supporters, the objective is clear: advance to the group stage and continue the club’s pursuit of continental success.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1F9FrHSxRH/