Nairobi United, Wydad AC Feel the Heat as Kaizer Chiefs Win Early Backing in CAF Confederation Cup

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs believes the club has a significant ‘element of surprise’ that could see them triumph in their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign.

In an interview with Soccer Laduma, Isaacs expressed his confidence that Amakhosi have what it takes to go all the way, drawing parallels to their unexpected run to the 2021 CAF Champions League final.

Dominic Isaacs further pointed out the key difference between the two squads, highlighting the experience of the 2021 team despite a transfer ban.

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"It's difficult to compare because in 2021 they couldn't sign players, but they had a lot of experience in the team," Isaacs explained.

"They had a very, very good experience in the team. I think they had the right balance of experience and youngsters."

However, Dominic Isaacs believes the current squad's relative unfamiliarity could be their greatest asset. "This one here, they have [talent], but they haven't been playing together for a long time. But I think Chiefs will do well in Africa because these teams... don't know Chiefs," he told the Siya crew.

The former centre-back argued that this anonymity contrasts sharply with their domestic challenges in the PSL, where opponents are well-acquainted with their tactics and players.

"Here in South Africa, everybody knows Chiefs. You understand? So the element of surprise is there, and I foresaw them going to the finals or even winning the tournament," Isaacs stated.

"These guys don't know Ashley Du Preez... Yes, there are videos and things like that, but even the players are free to go there because they are playing against people they don't know. I foresee them going far."

Isaacs also stressed that continental success demands a total team effort, where every player contributes to both defence and attack.

"My brother, it's a whole team effort. Even strikers need to defend. Even defenders need to score goals," he said. "They have to be 100% in every aspect of the game."

Ultimately, Isaacs believes the right mindset will be crucial for Chiefs as they embark on their African journey. "It's the mentality that needs to be 100%, which I think they will have. [They need to] be arrogant when they go there, and believe, you know. The sky is the limit," he concluded.

Group A features Algerian giant USM Alger, Malian powerhouse Djoliba AC de Bamako, Morocco's Olympique Club de Safi, and Ivorian side FC San Pedro.

Group B is headlined by Moroccan titans Wydad Athletic Club. They will face AS Maniema from the DR Congo, Tanzanian side Azam FC, and Kenya's Nairobi United.

Elsewhere, Group C sees another Algerian force, CR Belouizdad, drawn with South Africa's Stellenbosch FC, AS Otoho of Congo, and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.

Meanwhile, Group D includes Egyptian rivals Zamalek and Al Masry, who are joined by South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Zambia’s ZESCO United.