Mayo makes bold Chiefs claim ahead of Zamalek showdown

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo has delivered a defiant message ahead of their highly anticipated CAF Confederation Cup clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, insisting the Soweto side should not be labelled as underdogs.

Amakhosi are set to host the Cairo-based club in a Group D tie at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Mayo, who is currently on loan at Chiefs from Algerian side CR Belouizdad, argued that Chiefs’ rich history and current quality place them on an equal footing with their formidable opponents.

History and Quality Speak By Kaizer Chiefs Star Mayo

Addressing the media in Polokwane, the striker was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Chiefs would be approaching the game from a position of weakness.

“I wouldn’t say we are underdogs,” Mayo stated firmly. “We have competed in the CAF competitions before. Sometimes I think about the experience that comes with it each and every time we qualify. We have some of the biggest history on the continent.”

He added that the gap in quality between the two sides is negligible: “I think at the level they [Zamalek] are and the level that we are, I wouldn’t say it’s much more different.”

Acknowledging the Continental Shift

While bullish about their status, the Amakhosi forward was quick to acknowledge the significant demands of continental football compared to the domestic Premiership.

“It’s a different ball game when it comes to CAF competitions,” he conceded. “One thing is that North African teams are very physical compared to our South African players.”

However, Mayo expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and mindset for the physical battle ahead.

“We have prepared very well as a team, and we are looking forward to the game… But we are up for the test because I think we prepared the whole week, and the mood of the camp is very high. So we are expecting a beautiful game, and we will go all out to win the game.”

A Familiar Rivalry Renewed

The clash renews a rivalry dating back to 1993 in the African Cup of Champions Clubs (now the Champions League). While Chiefs won the first leg 2-1 at home, Zamalek secured a 1-0 win in the return leg in Cairo and went on to claim the continental title that year.

Since then, Zamalek have added two CAF Confederation Cup titles to their cabinet, while Chiefs’ best recent run saw them finish as runners-up in the 2020/21 Champions League final. Kaizer Chiefs’ sole CAF title remains the 2001 Cup Winners Cup (the predecessor to the Confederation Cup).