Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe has described his team’s historic qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after eliminating South African giants Kaizer Chiefs as a massive victory.
Arrows beat Chiefs 1-0 in the first leg in Ndola last week before suffering a 1-0 defeat in the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday. The result left the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate, forcing a penalty shootout, which the Zambian side won 3-2 to advance to the group stage.
Speaking after the match, Mbewe admitted that his team gave Chiefs too much space, allowing the South African side to build confidence and eventually score. However, he was pleased that his players stood firm to secure qualification.
“The last ten minutes of the game, we gave Kaizer Chiefs too much space and that’s how they built the confidence and started utilizing the space. Second half after the break we reminded the team that Kaizer chiefs will come and try to get a goal and that’s what happened but kudos to the team, we stood, we fought and we are in the group stage,” Mbewe said.
Mbewe looks ahead
The coach, who has been at the club for eight years and won two domestic league titles and two ABSA Cup trophies, described the achievement as massive and dedicated it to Zambians celebrating the country’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary.
“It’s a big victory for us. Tomorrow[today] we will be celebrating our independence day and we came here in South Africa to ensure we fight for the 21 million Zambians so that we give them this huge present, the first ever Group stage qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for Red Arrows.”
Mbewe said eliminating Kaizer Chiefs would provide significant motivation for his players as they prepare for their maiden group-stage campaign.
“It’s massive, it means alot even to our boss (Zambia Airforce command, the owners of the club). I think a very huge motivation to the team. Chiefs is not a small team, its a big team in the PSL and I think beating them brings alot of confidence.”
Looking ahead to the group stage, Mbewe said making the most of home advantage in Ndola would be crucial as Red Arrows seek to progress further in the competition.
“Again its just preparation, ensure that when teams come to Ndola we utilize home ground advantage and go all the way in the group stage.”
