Leaner’s rallying cry to Chiefs fans ahead of Do-or-Die Confed clash
Kaizer Chiefs have one night to rescue their Confederation Cup dream, and Renaldo Leaner wants Moses Mabhida Stadium roaring.
Amakhosi trail Zambia’s Red Arrows 1-0 heading into Friday’s second leg in Durban, with a place in the group stage hanging in the balance.
The goalkeeper is calling on the Khosi Nation to turn up in numbers and make home advantage count.
“This game is very important for the club,” Leaner said. “In Zambia, their fans made it a bit intimidating. So, we need our brilliant fans to reciprocate for the whole 90 minutes because it won’t be easy. Our fans are our 12th man.”
A 1-0 win would only drag the tie into extra time and possibly penalties, while a 2-0 win would send Chiefs through 2-1 on aggregate.
The danger lies in the away goals rule. If Arrows score in Durban, Chiefs must win by at least two clear goals, and if the aggregate scores finish level, the Zambians go through.
One goal is simply not enough, and conceding could be fatal. Leaner says the message in camp is simple: get the first goal, go looking for a second, and keep a clean sheet.
“We have analysed where we went wrong in Zambia and had a look at how they played,” he added. “And we know where we might capitalise on some of their weaknesses, so we believe we can succeed on Friday.”
Group stage football is on the line for Amakhosi. Now it is up to the Chiefs faithful to turn Durban into a fortress, and help their team with added energy.
