Amakhosi Eye Perfect Start in Group D Against Al Masry
Kaizer Chiefs Set Sights on Full CAF Confederation Cup Glory
Kaizer Chiefs have made it clear: they did not qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage just to participate — they believe they can go all the way. As they prepare to face Al Masry in their opening Group D clash on Sunday at the Suez Stadium, confidence and ambition are running high within the Amakhosi camp.
Chiefs return to a tournament that holds deep historical meaning for the club. Their 2001 triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup — the Mandela Cup — remains the only continental title won by a South African side in that competition. Twenty-four years later, the current squad is determined to write its own chapter.
Solomons: “It’s about results — home or away”
Defender Dillan Solomons says the team has spent the last two weeks preparing intensely for the double-header against Egyptian giants Al Masry and Zamalek. With the AFCON break approaching, Chiefs want to collect maximum points and extend their unbeaten run.
“It’s going to be tough, but we know what we want to do,” Solomons said. “For me, home or away doesn’t matter. We want to start with a win in Egypt and use that momentum for the rest of the campaign.”
Solomons is also savouring his return to regular game time after battling for minutes earlier in the season:
“I’m excited to be part of this journey. We don’t just want to compete — we want to win it.”
Silva: “My targets follow the team’s targets”
Flavio Silva has quietly turned into one of Chiefs’ most important weapons. After a delayed start due to permits and injuries, the forward is now contributing goals and gaining rhythm at the perfect time — four goals in his last seven games.
But the 29-year-old insists personal numbers come second.
“My job is to help the team with goals and assists,” he said. “It’s not about me — it’s a collective push. We must score more because we have ambitions. We are here to win.”
Silva believes Chiefs’ recent upturn — powered by the form of Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala — is a sign of good things to come.
“The preparations require focus and ambition,” he added. “Two big games before the break, and the mandate is simple: win both.”
Al Masry vs Chiefs: Key Details
Date: 23 November 2025
Kick-off: 18:00 SA time
Venue: Suez Stadium
Broadcast: SuperSport Variety 4 (209) | SABC 3 | SABC Sport Plus
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Both sides enter the match unbeaten in their last five matches, though both have been inactive since early November.
Team News
Out for Chiefs:
Gaston Sirino (suspended)
Aden McCarthy
Glody Lilepo
Khanyisa Mayo
Wandile Duba
Available:
Etiosa Ighodaro
Ashley du Preez
Flavio Silva
Al Masry Squad Notes
Right-back Ahmed Eid may return after injury. Coach Nabil Kouki is highly respected by Chiefs’ co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who described facing him as “a meaningful moment.”
Expected Chiefs XI
Petersen; Monyane, Cross, Kwinika, Miguel; Mthethwa, Cele; Vilakazi, Shabalala, Mmodi; Silva.
The Road Ahead
After Al Masry, Chiefs will face Zamalek at New Peter Mokaba Stadium — a match that could shape their entire campaign. A win there would be viewed as the perfect festive-season gift for their supporters.
But for now, the mission is clear:
Start strong. Make a statement. Show Africa that Amakhosi are not in this group to make up the numbers, but to chase the trophy.