The CAF Champions League Semi-Finals first leg takes place this Saturday, and Kaizer Chiefs will be in a tough battle against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco.
Kaizer Chiefs is the only non-North African side in the semifinal, and many do not fancy their chances of booking a final spot. One man is, however of a different mindset.
A Kaizer Chiefs legend believes the side is capable of doing it and has offered the club’s management, technical team and players some advice that can see them go through to the CAF Champions League final.
Former left-back Gardner Seale opined that Chiefs should go for the kill against the North Africans. He believes that this may be the last opportunity for some of their players to reach the competition’s final.
Arthur Zwane and Dillon Shepherd, as interim coaches will lead the Amakhosi for the first leg at the Stade Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday.
“Even beyond [potentially lifting the trophy], it’s a long way to where they are, so why not? They should just tell themselves that this is an opportunity that may not present itself next season or others to come,” Seale said.
After finishing eighth this season in the DSTV Premiership, this portends the only chance of silverware this season. The Naturena-based side is on a six-year trophy drought.
“The good thing is, Chiefs go into this match with back-to-back wins and a new interim head coach Arthur Zwane. The approach in my opinion [should be] never reserve anything for the second-leg – attack as if you are 1-0 down.”
Seale also believes that the absence of Gavin Hunt, the last man to take them to their first-ever Champions League semi-final will not be missed.
“I don’t think it will have so much of an impact on the players, you could see Arthur relates well with them, even if he was assistant to Gavin Hunt. Besides, they have to start showing some character, excuses have run out,” he says.