Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC open their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaigns this weekend as South Africa’s two representatives look to establish early momentum in the competition.
Chiefs begin their journey in Alexandria, where they face Egyptian side Al Masry in Saturday’s Group D opener. It is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, adding an element of uncertainty to a fixture already shaped by contrasting recent form.
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Chiefs reached the group stage on the strength of their domestic performances, but their recent continental history has been inconsistent. With new leadership under Albert Khumalo, the club sees this tournament as an opportunity to reassert itself on the African stage. Chiefs will need discipline and efficiency in attack, particularly away from home, where South African sides have often found conditions more demanding.
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Al Masry enter after a strong run in Egyptian league competition and have built a reputation for controlling home fixtures through structured midfield play and steady scoring. Their recent home form suggests they will be difficult to break down, making this a significant opening test for Chiefs.
In Group C, Stellenbosch FC host Congolese side AS Otohô in what looks a more balanced fixture. Stellenbosch arrive with confidence after progressing through their first-ever CAF knockout round earlier this year. The club’s growing continental experience, combined with their organised defensive structure, makes them well-placed to challenge deeper into the competition.
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Otohô, a regular presence in CAF tournaments, bring physicality and experience. This will also be the first meeting between the clubs, and Stellenbosch will look to impose themselves early at home before navigating more difficult away assignments later in the group stage.
Elsewhere in the round, several notable fixtures complete the weekend schedule: CR Belouizdad vs Singida Black Stars, Maniema vs Azam, Djoliba vs Olympique de Safi, USM Alger vs San Pedro, Wydad vs Nairobi United, and Zamalek vs ZESCO United.
With both South African teams beginning their campaigns on the same weekend, Chiefs and Stellenbosch enter the group stage with different expectations but shared ambition: to plant an early marker in Africa’s second-tier competition.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
