Kaizer Chiefs have received a welcome boost on the injury front with four defenders edging closer to a return, although Fernando Da Cruz has also been handed two fresh selection headaches.
The Glamour Boys are gradually getting players back into contention, but the injuries to Langelihle Phili and Thabiso Monyane mean the squad remains stretched heading into their next Betway Premiership fixture.
Chiefs get a defensive boost
The biggest positive for Amakhosi is the progress being made by Bradley Cross, Paseka Mako, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler.
The defensive quartet are all nearing full fitness and could soon provide Da Cruz with considerably more options at the back.
That comes at an important time for Chiefs, particularly after Monyane became a regular starter in the club’s recent matches.
Da Cruz has used a 3-5-2 system in the last two games, with Monyane featuring in the starting XI. His absence could therefore force the coach to reconsider his tactical approach.
One possible solution would be a return to a back four, with Frosler potentially filling the traditional right-back role once he is cleared to return.
Phili and Monyane deliver the bad news
While the return of four defenders is encouraging, Chiefs have suffered two setbacks.
Exciting new signing Langelihle Phili is expected to spend around eight weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury during training.
Monyane has also joined the injury list. The versatile defender is expected to be unavailable for approximately four weeks.
His absence is particularly significant given his recent involvement in the starting XI and Da Cruz’s decision to deploy him as part of the three-man defensive setup.
Chiefs still unbeaten in the league
Despite the injury concerns, Chiefs have made a solid start to the Betway Premiership campaign.
The Glamour Boys remain unbeaten and have collected eight points from their first four league matches.
The results may not have been spectacular, but Da Cruz has at least ensured that Chiefs have avoided defeat during the opening stages of his tenure.
Their next challenge comes on Sunday, 6 September, when Chiefs host Siwelele in a 15:30 kick-off.
After the weather-affected 2-2 draw against Richards Bay, Amakhosi will be hoping for better conditions — and a better result — in front of their home supporters.
With four defenders nearing a comeback but two players now sidelined, Da Cruz faces some interesting selection decisions.
Chiefs supporters, how would you rate the team’s start to the season out of 10?
