When asked about his poor record against Kaizer Chiefs, a bullish Faouzi Benzarti has insisted that he has beaten Mamelodi Sundowns many times and knows how to eliminate South African teams.
The 71-year-old is one of the most experienced coaches on the continent and could reach his fourth CAF Champions League final, having lifted the trophy with Esperance in 1994.
However, his record against Chiefs is negative after Amakhosi won the last two contests between both teams with Wydad winning the first contest 4-0 during the group stage.
When asked about his last two defeats against the Glamour Boys, Benzarti listed his victories over Mamelodi Sundowns as reference point.
“My team played very well, I’m proud of the first leg,” he explained.
“I have played against Mamelodi Sundowns many times, even when I was a coach of Esperance, I knocked them out two or three times.
“I also qualified for the final against Mamelodi Sundowns with Wydad (in 2019). South African and Moroccan football are very similar, very competitive and very professional.”
Benzarti faced Sundowns eight times, winning four of those games, drawing three and losing just one.
The Wydad coach then spoke about a potential home final in Casablanca after CAF confirmed this year’s final will be played in Morocco.
“The final will be in Casablanca, so it is a chance for all my players to become heroes and bring the cup home,” he added.
“But I can’t tell you what’s going to happen against Kaizer Chiefs. I’ve prepared my players the best way I can.”