Amakhosi face the Zambian outfit in back-to-back Group C fixtures, starting with an away encounter this weekend before hosting ZESCO in South Africa next week.

The double-header could prove decisive in Chiefs' hopes of progressing after a slow start to the tournament.

Chiefs are still searching for their first victory in the CAFCC this season, having collected just one point from two matches.

They opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Al Masry before holding Zamalek to a 1-1 draw, a return that has placed early pressure on the Glamour Boys.

With the two Egyptian heavyweights set to face each other twice, Chiefs have an opportunity to climb the Group C standings, but history is not on their side against Zambian opposition.

Amakhosi last met ZESCO United during the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup playoff round, where they suffered a 5-2 aggregate defeat after losing 3-1 at home and 2-1 away.

Overall, Chiefs have faced Zambian teams four times in CAF competition, recording three losses and a single draw.

The Soweto giants come into the fixture on a positive domestic note after starting 2026 with a narrow 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over Golden Arrows.

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are expected to field a strong line-up as they look to steady the ship in continental football.

However, Chiefs will travel without several key players. Etiosa Ighodaro, Gaston Sirino, Thabo Cele, Ethan Chislett, Wandile Duba, Ashley du Preez, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, George Matlou, Nkanyiso Shinga, Reeve Frosler, Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley and Fiacre Ntwari have all been left out of the travelling squad.

Despite the absentees and an unconvincing start to their CAF campaign, the Ndola encounter presents Chiefs with a chance to reset their continental ambitions.

A positive result away from home would not only ease the early pressure but could also shift momentum ahead of the return leg, giving Amakhosi renewed belief as the group stage enters a decisive phase.

Kaizer Chiefs without several key players for ZESCO CAFCC away trip