Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp: Lineup Prediction and Preview for CAF Confederation Cup Clash

Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs return to continental duty this Saturday when they host Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie at FNB Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CAT.

Amakhosi trail 1–0 on aggregate after a narrow defeat in Luanda last weekend and will be aiming to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters. With the away goals rule in play, Chiefs must balance attacking urgency with defensive discipline if they hope to progress to the next stage.

READ: Kabuscorp 1–0 Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi Still Confident Ahead of CAF Confederation Cup Second Leg

Chiefs Struggling for Momentum

The build-up to this crucial clash has been far from ideal. Chiefs were held to a 1–1 midweek league draw against Marumo Gallants on Heritage Day, extending their winless streak to three matches in all competitions.

New signing Khanyisa Mayo, on loan from CR Belouizdad, made an instant impact by scoring on his debut, but the hosts failed to convert dominance into victory after Gaston Sirino missed a penalty. Gallants punished the lapse with a stunning equaliser from Jaisen Clifford, leaving Chiefs frustrated once again.

In addition to their league struggles, Amakhosi’s continental journey suffered an early blow with the first-leg defeat to Kabuscorp. The pressure now mounts on the squad to deliver at home and keep their CAF campaign alive.

Turbulence in the Dugout

Compounding matters is the uncertainty surrounding head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian tactician is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club due to compliance issues with CAF licensing requirements, coupled with personal challenges after his wife’s serious accident.

With Nabi absent, the interim coaching duo of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef will once again be tasked with steering the team. Their squad rotation against Gallants suggests they are prioritising the CAF clash, as they attempt to balance fixture congestion and tactical cohesion.

Predicted Kaizer Chiefs Lineup vs Kabuscorp

Given the stakes and the need for balance between attack and defence, the following lineup is likely to feature on Saturday:

Backline:

• Cross
• Zitha Macheke
• Miguel
• Frosler

Midfield:

• Ndlovu
• Ngcobo
• du Preez
• Lilepo
• Sirino

Forward:

• Khanyisa Mayo

This setup offers Chiefs width, creativity, and a clinical forward presence in Mayo, who could be pivotal in breaking Kabuscorp’s defensive shape. Sirino and Lilepo’s attacking drive, paired with Ngcobo’s playmaking, will be central to unlocking the Angolan visitors.

READ: Khanyisa Mayo Scores on Dream Kaizer Chiefs Debut, Following Father’s Legacy

Key Factors to Watch

1. Clean Sheet Priority – Conceding an away goal would leave Chiefs needing to score three. Defensive concentration will be vital.
2. Mayo’s Momentum – The new striker made headlines on debut; can he deliver again under continental pressure?
3. Midfield Battle – Du Preez and Ngcobo’s creativity versus Kabuscorp’s counter-attacking setup could decide the tempo.
4. Coaching Instability – With the absence of coach Nabi the soweto Giants find it hard to keep up with the momentum they started with at the beginning of the season

Match Outlook

Kaizer Chiefs will enter the clash as favourites on home soil, but Kabuscorp’s resilience in the first leg shows they cannot be underestimated. Amakhosi’s ability to score early and control the midfield will likely determine whether they advance or face another continental setback.

The stage is set at FNB Stadium — with fans hoping their side can rise above both on-field struggles and off-field turbulence to keep their African dream alive.