Kaizer Chiefs head into their next Betway Premiership fixture with plenty of positives on the pitch, but a few concerns off it.
The Glamour Boys remain unbeaten after five league matches under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, yet injuries to Langelihle Phili and Thabiso Monyane have provided an unwanted setback.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Khanyisa Mayo and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Chiefs continue to prepare for their upcoming clash with Polokwane City.
Phili faces lengthy spell on the sidelines
Chiefs have been dealt a significant blow with the news that exciting new signing Langelihle Phili is expected to miss around eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury during training.
Phili’s absence comes at a difficult time as Da Cruz continues to shape his squad and establish his preferred system.
Defender Thabiso Monyane is also set for a spell on the sidelines, with the recently established first-team player expected to be unavailable for approximately four weeks.
Meanwhile, Khanyisa Mayo was seen in training ahead of the previous match against Siwelele but was not included in the matchday squad.
Ngcobo fit but transfer questions remain
There is better news regarding Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who is reportedly fit and available.
However, his situation remains an intriguing one. Despite his fitness, Ngcobo is reportedly not currently being considered, amid speculation that he could be frozen out and potentially moved on.
For now, that remains transfer speculation rather than a confirmed decision from the club.
Chiefs unbeaten under Da Cruz
While the injury news will concern supporters, Chiefs have plenty of reason for optimism.
The Soweto giants have gone unbeaten in their opening five Betway Premiership matches under Da Cruz and will be looking to extend that run against Polokwane City.
Chiefs’ most recent league outing produced an entertaining 3-2 victory over Siwelele, with Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba among the scorers.
Lebo Maboe and Mdu Shabalala provided the assists for Vilakazi and Duba respectively.
Polokwane City, meanwhile, have endured a less convincing start to the campaign, recording one victory, three draws and one defeat from their opening matches.
Polokwane City vs Kaizer Chiefs
The two sides meet on Saturday, 12 September, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
The match will be broadcast live on DStv SuperSport Channel 202.
With Chiefs unbeaten and Da Cruz seemingly settling on his tactical approach, the fixture offers another opportunity for the Glamour Boys to build momentum.
Expected Kaizer Chiefs XI
Da Cruz is expected to stick with his 3-4-3 formation, with Pule Mmodi continuing in the left wing-back role.
The young attacking combination of Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi and Mdu Shabalala could also retain their places in the starting XI.
Predicted Chiefs lineup
Petersen; Kwinika, Miguel, Moloisane; Solomons, Ndlovu, Maboe, Mmodi; Vilakazi, Duba, Shabalala.
With injuries and selection questions still forming part of the Chiefs conversation, Da Cruz will be hoping his available players can deliver another strong performance.
Chiefs supporters: would you make any changes to this predicted XI?
