Chiefs Hold Key Advantage Over Zamalek Ahead of Crunch CAF Clash
Kaizer Chiefs will go into Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup showdown against Zamalek with conditions heavily tilted in their favour, as former players insist Amakhosi hold a clear edge over the Egyptian giants.
Chiefs host the White Knights in their second Group D fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, where an afternoon kick-off, high temperatures and altitude are expected to work against the North Africans. The Glamour Boys are under pressure to respond after their narrow 2–1 defeat away to Al Masry last week.
Former Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs believes the club’s decision to shift the match from FNB Stadium to Polokwane was a strategic masterstroke.
“I am very happy they took the game to Polokwane,” Isaacs told The South African. “Teams from North Africa don’t like playing in the sun during the afternoon. Most of their matches at home are played in the evening. Chiefs must use the sun and altitude to their advantage.”
Saturday’s forecast of 27°C in Polokwane is expected to be uncomfortable for Zamalek, who traditionally struggle in high-intensity games under hot conditions.
Zamalek Hit by Injury and Off-Field Trouble
The Egyptians arrive in South Africa weakened by injuries and off-field instability.
Key midfielder Abdullah Al-Saeed has been ruled out after scans confirmed a hamstring tear picked up during their 1–0 win over ZESCO United in Matchday One.
Reports in Egypt also claim defender Salah Eldin Mosaddak has terminated his contract due to unpaid wages, adding to the financial turmoil already affecting the club. Zamalek remain under a FIFA transfer ban for failing to pay former players, while senior officials have publicly admitted the club’s debt is far more severe than previously believed.
Despite these issues, Zamalek still top the group after the victory over ZESCO, while Chiefs are chasing their first points.
Seale: Chiefs Can Beat Them
Former Amakhosi left-back Rudolph Seale, who faced Zamalek in the CAF Champions Cup in 1993, believes the current Chiefs squad has enough quality to take advantage of the moment.
“Yes, they can beat Zamalek,” Seale said. “This team has good players. The Egyptians have the experience, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. Chiefs have as much chance to progress as anyone. They just need to believe in themselves.”
Seale noted that Zamalek are not as strong as previous generations, pointing to their shock elimination by Stellenbosch last season as evidence of a decline.
A Crucial Match in the ‘Group of Death’
With ZESCO United and Al Masry also in the group, victory on Saturday would revitalise Chiefs’ campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday, 29 November, with the Polokwane crowd expected to play a major role.
Amakhosi will look to turn the heat — literally and figuratively — on their North African rivals.