Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has stressed the importance of securing all three points this weekend when they host Zamalek in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off at 3pm on Saturday.
Chiefs opened their group campaign in disappointing fashion, falling to Egyptian outfit Al Masry 2-1, and they will be hoping that this weekend’s fixture provides the boost they need to get their continental push back on course.
Amakhosi now face another representative of the Pharaohs, but one with greater pedigree—a club renowned for its reputation and vast experience in this competition, which it has won twice.
Beyond that, Zamalek’s five CAF Champions League titles have cemented their status as one of the continent’s true heavyweights, something that co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef will be wary of as they attempt to address Chiefs’ slow start.
Chiefs struggled in what was not only their first match of this phase but also their first away fixture of the campaign, while Zamalek opened theirs with a 1–0 home win over Zesco United.
This weekend’s clash now represents a key point in the competition, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations set to take centre stage next month. The tournament will only resume thereafter, with Chiefs travelling to face Zesco United, and Amakhosi will be eager to head into the extended break having made a solid start.
Looking ahead to the clash, Petersen expressed confidence and highlighted the significance of playing in front of their home supporters.
“We are excited for the game, and we know it’s going to be a big one,” Petersen said.
“Obviously we didn’t get the start that we wanted in the Confed, but we are looking to redeem ourselves with the home-ground advantage, with our supporters behind us this time. We are looking forward to the game and we have learned our lessons.”
With Zamalek set to offer a sterner test than Al Masry did, Petersen acknowledged that his side should have done better in their previous outing but also noted the challenge of playing away from home.
“People say it wasn’t too difficult, but playing a team away from home in front of their supporters makes it difficult,” he continued.
“It’s a game we could have won had we capitalised on the chances that we created, but looking ahead to Zamalek, they are a strong, hard-running, and competitive team like most of the Egyptian teams are, but for us, if we stick to our guns and do what we know we can do, it should be a good outing for us.”
The 31-year-old further stressed the need to correct their early stumble quickly to avoid unnecessary pressure later in the competition.
“It’s very important for us to get the three points because we are at home, and we want to pick up maximum points at home.
“Early on in the competition you want to pick up points so that later on in the competition you do not have to make any calculations to qualify for the next round. It’s very important for us, and all the guys know how important it is for us to go out and collect maximum points on the weekend.”
