Former Chiefs coach Ertugral predicts Amakhosi’s CAF CC journey! Where will they reach?

Kaizer Chiefs are set for action on Saturday against AS Simba in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup's second Preliminary round that will be staged at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

An aggregate win for either team will grant them a ticket for the group stage of the annual competition, explaining why a positive result in the first leg will be crucial ahead of the second one, which will be played at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Former Amakhosi coach Ernst Ertugral believes the Soweto giants are well-equipped for the CAF's inter-club competition.

He argues that the only problem with the continental competitions is that many off-pitch factors might negatively impact the Premier Soccer League outfit.

The 66-year-old believes Amakhosi will reach the latter stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.

What is the real test for Chiefs?

“We have won it in 2001 [CAF Cup Winners’ Cup, later renamed CAF Confederation Cup.]. Let’s think differently about it now. The question for me is not about whether Chiefs can reach the Confederation Cup final, but the present identity, [if they are] mature enough to survive the difficult realities across the continent, which is really demanding,” he told FARPost.

“The CAF environment tests adaptability, not only talent. Travel in Africa, you will face humidity, chaos, and very high intensity. The kind that breaks your rhythm. Obviously, Chiefs are improving in their defensive organisation, and you can see there is emphasis, and they look much more compact.

“What I can see is that they begin to play with clearer organisation between lines.

“I think, for me, the real test is always how to be in control under uncomfortable moments. I would say if they can develop a CAF identity which is different from the [domestic] routine and manage the tempo if necessary, win games ugly and stop offensive transitions from the opponents early, a semi-final could be realistic,” Ertugral concluded.