Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane is encouraged that it is within their own hands to play in one of the CAF club competitions next season, as they still have two avenues to qualify this season.
Chiefs are chasing Orlando Pirates for the second spot in the DStv Premiership table, lying fourth with 41 points after 25 matches, two points behind Pirates, who occupy the Champions League spot and are level on points with third-placed SuperSport.
The other Champions League spot has already been taken by Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the league title with seven games to spare.
But a second route for Chiefs to play in Africa is either finishing third in the league or winning the Nedbank Cup, with both qualifying to play in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chiefs are through to the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup and will face Pirates next month after overcoming Royal AM 2-1 at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.
Zwane has reiterated that it is his desire to see Chiefs yet again play in Africa after two years of absence.
“What is important for us is to think about playing in the Champions League, think about playing in Africa,” said Zwane.
“Because that will help our players to grow, especially the young ones and that is the target.
“We got the opportunity today, as you said, and that is why we have to go all the way to the final, we have to push ourselves.
“At least we will be able to kill two birds with one stone.”
For 10111 playing in Africa is a space that he’s familiar with, both as a player and as a coach.
After Gavin Hunt was sacked by Chiefs in the 2020/21 season, Zwane was appointed as the caretaker and led Chiefs to the Champions League final, beating 2021/22 champions Wydad Casablanca in both legs in the semis, becoming the first side and coach from Mzansi to win in Morocco against the Moroccan giants.
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However, Chiefs appointed Stuart Baxter before the final, who was then unable to beat Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who were coached by Pitso Mosimane.
As a player, Zwane was part of Chiefs’ side that won the Cup Winners’ Cup, the predecessor of today’s Confed Cup, in 2001 under Muhsin Ertugral, before losing the CAF Super Cup final to Al Ahly in the same year.
