Kaizer Chiefs are facing an increasingly difficult injury situation, with several first-team players currently unavailable as the club looks to regain momentum in the Betway Premiership.
The latest concern surrounds new signing Lebohang Maboe, who was forced off during the second half of Chiefs’ goalless draw with Golden Arrows.
The full extent of Maboe’s injury has yet to be confirmed, but his absence would add to a growing list of players unavailable to the club.
Chiefs injury list continues to grow
Maboe has made a positive start to his Chiefs career, registering two goals and two assists in seven league appearances this season.
The 32-year-old was also forced to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad for the matches against Guinea and Eritrea, adding to concerns about his availability.
Chiefs are already without several other players.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is reportedly facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in training.
Attacker Wandile Duba is expected to miss several weeks with a hip and groin problem, while promising forward Langelihle Phili is facing a longer spell out with an ankle injury.
The club are also dealing with injuries to left-backs Paseka Mako and Khanyiso Shinga, as well as striker Khanyisa Mayo.
The growing list means coach [insert current Chiefs head coach] may have to rely heavily on the available members of the squad during the next phase of the campaign.
Chiefs need to rediscover their momentum
The injury problems come during a period in which Chiefs have struggled to turn performances into consistent league results.
The Glamour Boys have drawn four of their seven league matches and have dropped points in four of their last five outings.
Their attacking output has also dipped, with Chiefs scoring just one goal across their last two matches.
Duba’s absence could be particularly significant given that the attacker had scored three goals in his first four Betway Premiership appearances this season.
Next league test awaits
Chiefs’ next league fixture is scheduled against Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 October at 15:30.
By then, the club will be hoping for clarity on the condition of Maboe and improved availability across the squad.
The international break provides Chiefs with some time to assess their injured players, but the growing injury list leaves the club facing an important period when domestic football resumes.
For a team looking to challenge consistently at the top end of the table, squad depth could prove increasingly important.
Can Kaizer Chiefs turn their form around when the Betway Premiership resumes? And which player should step up while the injured stars are unavailable?
