Chiefs expect tough outing against Wydad in Burkina
Four players know conditions in west African country
Burkina Faso won’t be entirely unfamiliar territory to the Kaizer Chiefs squad as some of their players have been there before.
Chiefs will meet Wydad Casablanca in their second match of the CAF Champions League group phase at the Stade du 4 Aout 1983 Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Sunday (6pm).
The likes of Itumeleng Khune, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama are aware of what it takes to play there. They were part of Bafana Bafana’s squad that played Burkina Faso at the venue in October 2016. The 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier ended 1-1.
“I’m looking forward to the trip to Burkina Faso against Wydad,” Khune told the club media department.
“It’s a very tough match for us and we are looking forward to bringing three points back home. We have been preparing well for this match and we are going to give it our all.
“Everyone is ready all the guys are looking forward to the match and we are going to work together as a team.
“It is going g to be a difficult match since it is not our home game but we are going to fight hard for the three points to make out supporters happy.”
The 60,000-seat stadium also hosted the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations final where SA lost 2-0 to Egypt.
Siyabonga Nomvethe, who once played there for Bafana, says Chiefs can expect tough conditions in Ouagadougou. “It is not a bad country but they have to be careful when they arrive there. You know around the continent, when you come from SA, the treatment is different,” Nomvethe told Sowetan yesterday.
“They need to be careful with everything, and once you are that side, they don’t care about you. Those people there can try to do everything to frustrate you by also playing mind games. Chiefs will need to be strong mentally and not let those things affect them.”
Amakhosi are set to fly out to Ouagadougou this morning on a charter flight, returning on Monday.