As Amakhosi commence their first-ever group phase campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup with a trip to Egypt, where they will face Group D opponents, Al Masry at the Suez stadium on Sunday, Club Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. expressed a sense of pride to see Amakhosi back in the heat of continental competition once again.

“I’m very excited. This is the African stage. It’s where we want to be,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com prior to departure on Wednesday.

Chiefs have been drawn in the so-called ‘group of death’ containing two top Egyptian opponents, Al Masry and Zamalek, as well as Zambian side, Zesco United. However, Motaung believes the groundwork that has been done over the past fortnight will serve the Glamour Boys well in their quest to reach the knockout stage.

“We’re expecting a tough test in Egypt, which is well known for its passion for football. Once we knew the draw and the destinations, we had to prepare thoroughly and, coming from the FIFA International break which we have used wisely, we are optimistic of giving our fans a good performance,” he says, adding, “The technical staff have put the players through their paces. Our opposition have been thoroughly researched and analysed, so there is a positive feeling within the camp regarding the task at hand.”

Following their lengthy return trip traversing the full span of Africa, Amakhosi host the other Egyptian side, Zamalek, at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, six days later on Saturday, 29 November, and Motaung has his sights set on putting down a marker at the outset to show their rivals that they mean business.

“Everyone in the group is playing to win and these are two very important games for us against tough opponents right at the start,” he admits, “But we believe we pose a significant threat ourselves and we are going out to get maximum points.”

The Sporting Director concludes with a nod to the eternally loyal Amakhosi fanbase, wishing them an enjoyable experience, “We are happy to bring continental football back to our fans and hope they enjoy the campaign.”

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter between Al Masry and Kaizer Chiefs at the Suez stadium in Egypt kicks off at 18:00 on Sunday 23 November.