Kaizer Chiefs have plenty to keep their supporters interested during the international break, with promising youngster Steven Mendes making headlines and several injured players moving closer to a return.
The latest Chiefs update also provides encouraging news regarding defender Rushwin Dortley, who has taken another step in his long road back to competitive football.
Steven Mendes continues to attract attention
Chiefs Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has high expectations for 18-year-old Steven Mendes after the youngster’s impressive showing at the recent COSAFA U20 tournament in Maputo, Mozambique.
Mendes finished the competition as the Golden Boot winner, despite being primarily regarded as a midfielder. He was deployed as a striker during the tournament and made the most of the opportunity.
The teenager, who has earned the nickname ‘Stevie G’, is now being tipped to push for opportunities with the Chiefs senior side.
Khumalo believes Mendes possesses the maturity and ability required to eventually make the step up to first-team football.
Chiefs injury update
The Glamour Boys continue to manage a number of injury concerns.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is expected to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during training.
Wandile Duba is also facing several weeks out with a hip and groin problem, while new signing Lebohang Maboe remains an injury concern after being forced off during Chiefs’ goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
Maboe subsequently withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad for the matches against Guinea and Eritrea. The extent of his injury has not been confirmed.
The 32-year-old has made an encouraging start to life at Chiefs, registering two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership appearances.
Meanwhile, attacker Langelihle Phili remains sidelined with an ankle injury but could reportedly return around the middle of October.
Dortley provides Chiefs with a boost
One of the more positive developments concerns Rushwin Dortley.
The 24-year-old defender has been out of competitive action since suffering a serious knee injury in March 2025. However, his inclusion on the bench against Golden Arrows represents a significant step in his rehabilitation.
Dortley did not feature in the match, but being named among the substitutes suggests that his return to full match fitness is progressing.
His eventual comeback could provide Chiefs with another defensive option as the season develops.
When do Chiefs play next?
Chiefs supporters will have to wait through the international break before seeing their team back in action.
The Glamour Boys are scheduled to host Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 15:30 in their next Betway Premiership fixture.
With Mendes pushing for senior recognition, several injured players working their way back and Dortley edging closer to a comeback, there could be some important selection decisions ahead for Chiefs.
Could Rushwin Dortley become an important player for Kaizer Chiefs once he reaches full fitness?
