Explained! Why Kaizer Chiefs lost 2021 Caf Champions League final - 'It was also chaotic because we had Gavin Hunt, and he was strangely fired; Arthur Zwane took over, but they got rid of him too'

AmaZulu defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has explained why Kaizer Chiefs were defeated in the 2021 Caf Champions League by Al Ahly.

Ramahlwe was part of the Amakhosi squad that played and lost to Al Ahly by a 3–0 margin. The Egyptian giants won the title for a record-extending 10th Champions League trophy.

“It was also chaotic because we had Gavin Hunt as the coach, and then he was strangely fired even though we were doing well,” Mphahlele told iDiski Times.

“Then Arthur Zwane took over, and he was doing well, but they got rid of him too and replaced him with Stuart Baxter. We played the final over just one leg in what they said was neutral Casablanca, but we felt it was too close to Egypt.

“Of course, there was no crowd, but the environment and conditions were much similar to those that Ahly are used to. Stuart was a very structured coach, and we had a solid plan going into the match. We were a young team against highly experienced opposition, so it was always going to be difficult," he added.

“We started well, but we then went a man down [Happy Mashiane got sent off], and that changed everything in their favour. When they scored, we tried our best to get back into it, but they were just too strong for us.”

Chiefs are known for their rather frequent changes of coaches, but this has not always brought much success to the club.

It is only this season that Nasreddine Nabi, in his debut season with the Glamour Boys, managed to end the trophy drought that had extended for a decade.

Zwane is one of the coaches that had been appointed before he was later demoted, and in a recent interview, he revealed how difficult his time with Chiefs was.

Meanwhile, Chiefs have struggled to replicate the performance that saw them reach the final. This season, they finished outside the top eight and will not be part of the MTN8 contestants.

Neither will they play in the Champions League.

Amakhosi must strengthen their squad and get quality players that will see them not only challenge for local trophies but also be part of the continental campaign.

The club's hierarchy is expected to bring in players in the next transfer window, especially in the striking department, given how they have struggled on that front.