Ex-Kaizer Chiefs captain and assistant coach Patrick Mabedi feels the Soweto giants should fancy their chances in the CAF Champions League and there is no need to be afraid of any side as they await the quarter-final draw.
Amakhosi booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the continental competition following a 2-2 draw with Horoya in their final group C match. The result saw them make history as the club qualified for the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Chiefs finished second in their group behind Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and will face one out of the trio of Simba, Esperance or local rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarterfinals. All of the mentioned sides have enough quality to cause trouble for Amakhosi for sure. However, Mabedi feels that there is no reason for Gavin Hunt’s men to be fearful of any side.
Mabedi is infact familiar with achieving success with Amakhosi on the continent. The former Malawian international was a key member of the Chiefs team that lifted the Mandela Cup in 2001 under the tutelage of then coach Muhsin Ertugral.
Speaking on Chiefs’ chances in the competition, Mabedi says he can see his former side progressing even further in the competition.
“It’s a good achievement for the team, for the fact that this is the first time for the club. In football anything is possible. They have done it to qualify for the quarterfinals, so why can’t they go further? I feel they will proceed. It’s a matter of continuity and consistency. So far they are doing and credit should go to them,”
“When we won it (the Mandela Cup), it was just dedication and most importantly we wanted it more. Remember after the (Ellis Park) tragedy, we wanted to dedicate it to the people who lost their loved ones. It’s never easy to play in Africa, but they can make it. I don’t think they should fear anyone. In football you don’t fear anyone. You can respect them, but they don’t have to fear anyone. They just need to go out there and do their business and enjoy themselves.”
The quarter-final draw is expected to take place on the 30th of April, when Chiefs and the remaining seven teams will know their fate.