Kaizer Chiefs have made history and have achieved the improbable after qualifying for the CAF Champions League final for the first time.


The Glamour Boys defeated Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic 1-0 on aggregate in the semifinals. The teams played to a goalless draw in the second leg of the semis at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

For the first time in their 51-year history, the club has qualified for the most prestigious tournament on the continent, and stands to pocket $2.5 million (R35 million) if they lift the trophy and represent the continent at the Fifa Club World Cup.


The Soweto giants reached the final after what has been the lowest period in the club’s history – they have not picked up a trophy in the past six years.

READ | A fan’s message to Chiefs: The scene is set to restore a battered image

The club has had a bizarre season, struggling in domestic football under Gavin Hunt, but thriving in the African competition under Stuart Baxter.

Before the end of the season, the club axed Hunt and reappointed Baxter, who watched the two-legged semis from the stands.

Assistant coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard were in charge of the team in the two games against the Moroccans.

Chiefs qualified second in Group C and went on to beat Simba SC 4-3 in the quarterfinals, and now Wydad.


Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who was recalled to the team after missing a few matches, was the hero as he made a number of superb saves on Saturday night.

Wydad took the attack to the home side and dominated possession – just like in the first leg – but Chiefs hung on until the final whistle.

Amakhosi are only the third South African club to reach the final, after Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

READ | Champions League: Chiefs bank on impressive CAF home record ahead of Wydad semifinal clash

The club has had a somewhat indifferent relationship with the CAF competition. In 2005, Chiefs were banned for three years after they withdrew from the Confederation Cup.

Their ban and poor runs in the competition resulted in a perception that the club did not take CAF tournaments seriously.

The biggest prior accomplishment for the team was when they won the African Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) in 2001.