Farouk Khan’s verdict: The warning Chiefs’ travelling squad cannot ignore

Kaizer Chiefs have officially named their 23-man travelling squad for the high-stakes CAF Confederation Cup clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek SC this weekend.

🇿🇦✈️🇪🇬 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/0b3UTbp5zd

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 11, 2026

Amakhosi enter the final Group D fixture as leaders with 10 points following a clinical 2-1 win over Al Masry SC. However, the verdict for their quarter-final qualification remains on a knife-edge. With Al Masry widely tipped to overcome bottom-placed ZESCO United, the Glamour Boys require at least a point at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium to guarantee their place in the knockout stages.

Leading up to the game, Zamalek SC threw a logistical curveball at Amakhosi, making two major changes to this weekend’s final CAF Confederation Cup Group D decider. The Egyptian giants have moved the high-stakes encounter from Cairo to the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, roughly 115 km away.

Furthermore, the match has been brought forward by 24 hours and will now be played on Saturday, February 14, 2026, instead of the originally scheduled Sunday. This sudden shift forces the Soweto giants to depart South Africa earlier than planned, cutting down critical recovery time for a squad that has already played 11 games in just 40 days. They arrived in Egypt on Wednesday night

The Chiefs Travelling Contingent

The Soweto giants’ squad selection reflects a mix of tactical necessity and recent injury recovery. Ashley Du Preez makes a timely return to the setup, providing a critical counter-attacking option. However, the defence remains a concern; Chiefs will miss the services of Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, while the inclusion of Nkanyiso Shinga—who is yet to make his official debut—offers cover in a depleted backline.

Notably, teenage sensation Luke Baartman is a surprise absence from the travelling party, suggesting a shift toward “battle-hardened” experience for the hostile atmosphere in Cairo.

Tactical Verdict: The 4-5-1 Blueprint

Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan has weighed in on the strategic demands of the trip. Explaining the dangers of an open game, Khan urged a conservative approach to neutralise the “White Knights” on their home turf.

“I would go for a 4-5-1,” Khan told Soccer Beat. “You can’t underestimate Zamalek away. I would like to absorb the pressure, play with a mid-block, and look to use my wingers on transition. As long as I keep Zamalek out, I stand a chance of getting that important goal.”

Khan warned that the “going gets tough” if Chiefs concede early, citing their recent struggles against Stellenbosch. “If you play an open game, they will dominate the midfield and attack you at every opportunity. All Chiefs need is a draw—discipline and a clear tactical plan are everything,” he concluded.

While a draw secures progression, a loss would leave Amakhosi’s fate in the balance, potentially seeing them slip to third if Al Masry secures a victory in their final match.

 Travelling Squad For Amakhosi