DURBAN – Kaizer Chiefs have endured turbulent times at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in 2018.
Amakhosi will be looking to wrap up the year in style by putting Elgeco Plus of Madagascar to the sword tonight (8.15pm kickoff) at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The two clubs will meet in the first leg of the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup.
A new broom always sweeps clean, and it was the case on Wednesday as Amakhosi began the tenure of Ernst Middendorp with a victory against SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Middendorp will be looking to make it two out of two, having beaten Matsatsantsa A Pitori 1-0 thanks to a goal by George Maluleka.
Amakhosi have struggled at Moses Mabhida Stadium this year. Their fans ran riot in March when they lost 2-0 against Free State Stars in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
Supporters expressed their unhappiness by vandalising the stadium facilities and broadcasting cameras. As a result, Steve Komphela resigned as the coach of Amakhosi.
Chiefs are using Moses Mabhida as their second home. They have a deal with the stadium to play three of their league matches at the venue.
Amakhosi also opened their account at Moses Mabhida with a defeat against Polokwane City in the league this season.
They also drew with Chippa United 0-0 in the league. Out of the possible six points, Chiefs have collected a single point at Moses Mabhida.
Chiefs will be looking to change their fortunes tonight. Amakhosi also lost their last match at the venue, suffering a 2-1 loss at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout semi-final.
The Chiefs faithful have suffered perennial pain in Durban. Amakhosi have to step up and bring joy to their supporters, who always come out in numbers to rally behind their side.
Siyabonga 🙏🏽🙏✌🏾✌🏻 #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/91scBF1mgO
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) December 14, 2018
Chiefs secured their place in the first round of the Confederation Cup after beating Zimamoto of Zanzibar 5-2 on aggregate in the preliminary round.
Khama Billiat has already netted three strikes in this tournament and will be eager to add to that tally.
Chiefs trounced Zimamoto 4-0 at home before they lost 2-1 away from home. Amakhosi are starting at home again and will look to take a healthy lead to Madagascar.
Ardino and Philani are ready to battle it out tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kick-off is at 20h15. Tickets are on sale at Computicket, R60. #CAFCC #HailTheChief #KCAfrica4Life #KCOneAfrica pic.twitter.com/TBqCCjlHNj
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) December 14, 2018
The second leg will be held on December 22 in Madagascar. The winners will advance to the playoff round. The draw for the playoff round will take place on December 28.
The playoff round will be more difficult as eight teams that get knocked out of the first round of the Caf Champions League will join the eight teams in the Caf Confederation Cup.
The playoff winners will progress to the group stages of the competition.
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