Kaizer Chiefs return to CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend, facing hot pressure after their 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Suez.
Ahead of Saturday’s showdown against Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek, one former Amakhosi defender believes the conditions could favour the Soweto giants.
PETER MOKABA STADIUM TO HOST CAF CONFEDERATION CUP ACTION
While many were probably expecting Kaizer Chiefs to entertain Zamalek at the FNB Stadium, the Glamour Boys decided to move the game up the N1 to the 46,000-capacity Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Former Amakhosi centre back Dominic Isaacs has welcomed the decision to host the match in Polokwane, insisting the afternoon heat and altitude could give the hosts a real edge over their North African opponents.
“I am very happy they took the game to Polokwane,” Isaacs said. “Teams from North Africa don’t like playing in the sun during the afternoon. Most of the time, when they play at home, matches are scheduled in the evening,” Domza added.
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Zamalek arrive in Limpopo as one of the most decorated teams in the competition, having lifted the CAF Confederation Cup twice, in 2018/19 and again in 2023/24. On paper, it’s one of the toughest fixtures in the group.
15:00 KICK OFF
Kaizer Chiefs will host the encounter during a daytime kick-off with expected high temperatures that should discomfort the visitors.
Isaacs believes that’s exactly where the advantage lies. “We must learn to use the sun and the altitude to our advantage,” he explained. “Our boys can play in the sun. This is where home conditions matter,” he added.
According to Accuweather, Polokwane will experience a maximum of 27 degrees on Saturday.