Kaizer Chiefs coach banks on Sirino CAF experience, relishes Zamalek clash | OneFootball

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Kaze on Sirino experience, raring to go against Zamalek

Photo: Ampe Rogerio / BackPagePix

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze says having Gaston Sirino available for selection is a big boost for his side as they are raring to go against Egyptian giants Zamalek SC on Saturday (15h00).

The Soweto heavyweights will host the two-time Confed Cup winners at Peter Mokaba Stadium with an aim of securing their first victory in Group D after falling short in their curtain raiser last Sunday.

With Sirino back in contention, Kaze is hopeful the vast amount of continental experience the playmaker accumulated during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns will come in handy for Amakhosi.

“I think it's a very good thing for us to have such a player coming back with the experience that he has at this stage of competition, having won the Champions League previously,” said the Burundian tactician.

"It's going to be helpful for us, for his teammates as well - for the team, and we hope that it's going to give us the plus that we are looking for to go until the end.

On the highly anticipated clash, the CAF A License holder is eager to give Zamalek a run for their money despite acknowledging the Egyptians' pedigree and experience in the competition.

“We need to be different, we need to be physical, we need to stand our ground and I have big and much respect for Zamalek, it's a team that we grew up knowing when we were kids that the passion of their supporters when they play home games is incredible,” Kaze added.

"And it's a team that won this competition two seasons ago which is not very far. But we are excited to play against these kinds of teams because Kaizer Chiefs is a big club and big clubs want to play with big clubs to show that we are up to it.

Chiefs sit in third place, while Zamalek dropped to second after their Egyptian counterparts Al Masry beat Zambia's Zesco United on Friday, and the White Knights will be looking to reclaim the top spot.