Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has outlined the team’s strategy for overturning their 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows FC when the sides meet in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round on Friday.
The Soweto club will host the Zambian side at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 CAT. Chiefs must win by a two-goal margin to secure progression to the group stage, while a draw would be enough for Red Arrows to advance.
Chiefs suffered the first-leg defeat in Ndola last weekend, leaving them at risk of an early exit from the continental competition.
Leaner Says Chiefs Must Score and Protect Their Goal
Leaner said Chiefs had reviewed their performance in Zambia and identified areas where they could improve ahead of the return fixture.
The goalkeeper explained that the immediate priority was to score an equaliser before pushing for another goal, while also ensuring they did not concede.
“It’s obvious, but our first task is to get one goal and then go for another one, as well as focus on keeping a clean sheet,” Leaner told the club’s media department.
He added that the team had studied Red Arrows’ playing style and examined potential weaknesses they could exploit.
“We have analysed where we went wrong in Zambia and had a look at how they played and where we might capitalise on some of their weaknesses, so we believe we can succeed on Friday.”
Chiefs Enter Match After Four Games Without a Win
Chiefs go into the encounter on a four-match winless run, having recorded three draws in the Betway Premiership before losing to Red Arrows in the first leg.
The result has increased the importance of Friday’s fixture, with the club seeking to remain in contention for the Confederation Cup group stage.
Coach Fernando da Cruz is also under pressure as Chiefs attempt to improve their results. His appointment was announced in June 2026, and failure to progress in the continental competition would add to the scrutiny surrounding his tenure.
A successful comeback could provide the team with renewed confidence ahead of its next league fixtures.
Leaner Calls on Chiefs Supporters to Create Intimidating Atmosphere
Leaner believes the support of Chiefs fans could play an important role in the second leg, particularly after experiencing the atmosphere created by Red Arrows supporters in Zambia.
The 28-year-old called on Amakhosi supporters to attend in large numbers and back the team throughout the match.
“This game is very important for the club. Our goal is to advance to the group stage. We are a big team, and we are in a big competition,” he said.
Leaner added that the home crowd could help Chiefs overcome the challenge posed by their opponents.
“We need our fans out in numbers to support us because in Zambia their fans made it a bit of an ‘intimidating’ environment, so we need our brilliant fans to reciprocate for the whole 90 minutes because it won’t be easy and our fans are our 12th man who help us a lot to get over the line on the field.”
Leaner Looks to Build on Early Chiefs Appearances
The Red Arrows match was Leaner’s second official appearance for Kaizer Chiefs after joining the team’s matchday action in the Betway Premiership against Golden Arrows shortly before the FIFA international break.
He kept a clean sheet on his debut against Golden Arrows but conceded for the first time in the defeat to the Zambian club.
Leaner will now be part of the Chiefs side seeking to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Friday evening.
