Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe has added his voice to the debate around Kaizer Chiefs' readiness for a return to continental football, with qualification to next year's CAF Confederations Cup all but confirmed.
Mathematically, Chiefs have not yet qualified for the Confederations Cup despite their spot in the final of the Nedbank Cup being secured.
They still need to either beat rivals Orlando Pirates in the final, or hope for the latter to secure a top-three finish in the league, a position that could still go to either Stellenbosch FC or Sekhukhune United as things stand.
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Those facts have slowed down the buzz over Amakhosi potentially playing continental football next season, and Radebe believes it is high time the club enters to the next level.
"I think that is why there is so much excitement in the air," Radebe told journalists on Wednesday on the sidelines of the launch of CAF's new logistics sponsor.
"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]. 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.
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"To be honest, it's a great improvement from our clubs," said 'Rhoo'.
Chiefs' immediate focus, though, will be on the league clash against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
