'Kaizer Chiefs unfazed by hostile conditions' - Mdu Shabalala | OneFootball

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Chiefs take no issue with hostile conditions ahead of CAFCC tie

Photo: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala says they are unfazed about facing AS Simba in hostile conditions ahead of the two teams' clash on Saturday (15h00).

The Soweto giants square off against the Linafoot outfit at Stade TP Mazembe in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

With the game on the horizon, the Amakhosi playmaker has acknowledged that securing a favorable result won't be a walk in the park but insists the pressure lies with the hosts.

“Obviously, it is a big game for us. We need to win in order to qualify for the next stage. It will be tough because we are away in the first-leg,” Shabalala told Chiefs' media department.

"But the pressure is on them and we want to win, or at least score in this game to give us an advantage going into the second-leg at home. If we take our chances we can go into the second-leg with less pressure.

Meanwhile, Chiefs will encounter a hostile reception, severe heat conditions, a small synthetic pitch, but Shabalala says the Glamour Boys take no issue as they set sights on reigning supreme on the day.

“We are aware of the conditions and although it won't be easy, we are familiar with playing in hot weather. As far as the pitch is concerned, we just have to go out there and make the most of the situation. At the end of the day, we have to go and win a football match,” he added.

The return leg is penciled in for Saturday, 25 October at Dobsonville Stadium, with the winner of the two-legged tie set to advance to the group phase of the competition.