Chiefs update on Ighodaro, Maboe, Baartman & Velebayi ahead of Simba date

Kaizer Chiefs are set to play AS Simba on Saturday in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Glamour Boys advanced after eliminating Angolan outfit Kabuscorp in the initial phase. The two legs ended 1-1 in aggregate before the Soweto giants triumphed with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.

Amakhosi will now play Simba SC, who got past the Comoros side Djabal Club in the first preliminary round.

Chiefs signed 11 players in the winter Premier Soccer League transfer window, but some haven't made their debut. Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baarman had not been cleared to make their competitive debut. Etiosa Ighodaro, Lebohang Maboe, Rushwin Dortley, and Thabiso Monyane were injured. 

Ahead of the game, Kaizer Chiefs have released a statement and preparedness as they hope to register a positive outcome away to stand a chance of making the group stage.

Chiefs share good news with the fans 

“Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for a crucial double-header in the second preliminary round of the  CAF Confederation Cup, with venues and dates now confirmed for their home and away fixtures against AS Simba of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” they said in a statement.

“Amakhosi will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg later this week. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 on Saturday, 18 October, at TP Mazembe stadium, marking their first engagement with opponents from DRC for a decade. The team were last in the nation’s capital, Kinshasa back in 2014 when they faced AS Vita in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League.

“The Glamour Boys advanced after defeating Kabuscorp of Angola in the first round, while AS Simba earned their place by overcoming Djabal Club d’Iconi of Comoros with a 3-0 aggregate score,” they continued.

Following a two-week international break, Chiefs are expected to welcome back several players recovered from injury. Additionally, Mfundo Vilakazi and Luke Baartman return from duty at the U20 World Cup in Chile. 

“Baartman and Asanele Velebayi have also been cleared to play after finalisation of their appealed cases, adding depth to the squad for the upcoming matches,” the club concluded.