Fernando da Cruz aware of Red Arrows threat

17.10.26 09:00 CAF Confederation Cup

Red Arrows

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Kaizer Chiefs

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Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz is well-aware of the threat posed by Red Arrows ahead of the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Saturday (15h00).

The Glamour Boys will do battle with the Zambian side at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which is a familiar turf having faced ZESCO United in the group stages of the competition last season.

Arrows head into the match unbeaten this season and sitting in second place with four points on the Zambian Super League table, as their 2026/27 campaign commenced earlier this month.

With the encounter on the horizon, the Chiefs boss is not taking the three-time Zambian champions lightly, acknowledging their strength in transitional phases and route-one football.

“It's a strong team with strong players, they play in offensive transitions and long balls as well,” said da Cruz through a translation by physical trainer Julien Le Heran.

While da Cruz is wary of Arrows, he insists the mandate is to secure a favourable result away from home, and is braced for a surprise in terms of playing conditions.

“About the conditions, we don't know the conditions very well but maybe the conditions will be good. But we go to Zambia to come back with a good result and to be in a positive mood for the game at home,” the Frenchman added.

Notably, this is Chiefs' first rodeo in the Confederation Cup this season as they received a bye in the first preliminary round, while Arrows beat FC Rouge of Madagascar 4-0 on aggregate to set up a meeting with Amakhosi.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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CAF Confederation Cup