Camaldine Abraw. Picture: SUPPLIED
Camaldine Abraw. Picture: SUPPLIED

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KAIZER Chiefs’ desire to play in continental club competitions has often been questioned, so now that their chances of winning silverware domestically are close to zero, they might just pay more attention to the Caf Champions League.

After an easy ride in the preliminary round against Volcan Club de Moroni of the Comoros, the real test for Chiefs begins this weekend when they take on Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas in the first-round, first-leg clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday (7.30pm).

Mimosas beat AS CotonTchad of Chad 1-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round, getting that all-important goal in the first-leg match played away from home.

The Ivorians will come to SA looking to frustrate Amakhosi and put themselves in a good position for the return leg, but striker Camaldine Abraw has urged teammates to try and end the tie as a contest on Saturday.

"We have to finish the game here (at home)," said the Togolese-born Chiefs striker. "We want to win all the games so that we can go forward. All the players want to win this trophy. It’s a big challenge, but we will do our best."

Abraw believes the experience gained by Itumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane in international matches with Bafana Bafana gives Amakhosi a chance of making good progress in the competition.

The 25-year-old is also no stranger to playing on the continent himself, featuring for his national team in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and in friendly internationals.

"I want to give 100% for the team, but it’s not just me. We have internationals in our team who have experience. We have Shabba (Tshabalala) and Yeye (Letsholonyane) who know what it takes to play on the continent. We have to help each other.

"The Champions League is a high level of football and we need to keep improving."