Former Uefa Champions League star challenges Kaizer Chiefs as they get ready for Caf football - 'They have got to prove themselves'

After reaching the Nedbank Cup final, Kaizer Chiefs could play Caf Confederation Cup football next season even if they lose the final to Orlando Pirates.

This comes as the Buccaneers are likely to finish in the top two in the Premier Soccer League and take up a Caf Champions League spot with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Former Chiefs defender Lucas Radebe has explained what is expected of the Soweto giants on the continent.

"I think that is why there is so much excitement in the air," Radebe said as per KickOff.

"But I think it's a great club. I think teams like that, at some point, when they hit a dip, it's very hard. But when they come up again, they have got to prove themselves. 

"They have got to make sure they come up [to the continental stage]," the former Bafana captain, who played for Leeds United, in the Uefa Champions League.

"They have the consistency to do well. Not just well, but in these big massive Champions League competitions where all these teams [Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates] are standing with pride, and trying to come back to South Africa with the trophy. To be honest, it's a great improvement from our clubs." 

For a team that has been struggling on the domestic front, playing on the continent could prove to be a huge test for Amakhosi.

However, what could inspire Amakhosi is how they reached the 2020/21 Caf Champions League final despite finding life difficult in the Premier Soccer League.

By the time they start participating in Africa next season, coach Nasreddine Nabi might have massively boosted their squad with quality signings to match the demands of continental football.

For now, Chiefs' focus is on hosting Marumo Gallants in a PSL match on Saturday as they push for a top-eight finish.

However, as they are almost guarantee d a Caf Confederation Cup spot, Amakhosi might now not be hard-pressed to end the season in the top-half.