“We will approach this match from a 0-0 point of view,” said coach Ernst Middendorp not long after touching down in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Friday afternoon. “We will have a few changes in the team compared to last week’s match at home.”

Khama Billiat, for example, is nursing a tight muscle strain and didn’t travel with the team. The Kaizer Chiefs coach, however, is not too worried, “We have quality to replace Khama.”

Amakhosi will play this Saturday afternoon in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round against Elgeco Plus.

The Glamour Boys take the 3-0 win of the first leg into the match, which will be played at Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananarivo. Kick-off is at 14:30 (13:30, South African time).

“I’m glad Philani Zulu was able to travel and is available for selection,” Middendorp added, while referring to the face fracture Zulu sustained during the first leg.

“We will go for goals,” continued the coach. “We are still working on a few tactical aspects of our game – this match is another opportunity to get the structure and approach right.”

Middendorp won the first two games back in charge of Chiefs and relishes the upcoming mini-break. “It works both ways though. When you’re winning, it’s usually better to continue playing to keep the momentum. On the other hand, the break will give some players a chance to recover from their respective injuries.”

The match officials will be from Lesotho

Referee:                        Osiase William Koto

First assistant:             Sauru Phatsoane

Second assistant:         Lesufi Samuel Puputla
Fourth official:             Lebalang Martin Mokete

 

Match commissioner:  Rebasikwa Mothoagae (Botswana)

Referee assessor:          An Yan Lim Kew Chong (Mauritius)