Kaizer Chiefs are heading into the international break with several injury concerns, including a fresh worry over influential midfielder Lebohang Maboe.
The Glamour Boys were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows at the weekend, but the bigger concern could be the fitness of players who have become important to the squad this season.
Maboe injury adds to Chiefs’ concerns
New signing Lebohang Maboe was forced off during the second half of Chiefs’ 0-0 draw with Golden Arrows.
The extent of the 31-year-old’s injury has not yet been confirmed, leaving Chiefs and Bafana Bafana supporters waiting for an update.
Maboe has made a strong start to life at Naturena, registering two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership appearances.
His injury comes at an unfortunate time, with Maboe recently included in Pitso Mosimane’s latest Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea.
Chiefs have also struggled for consistency in the league. They have drawn four of their opening seven matches, including four dropped points in their last five outings.
Petersen and Duba already sidelined
Maboe is not the only concern for coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen suffered a knee injury in training and is expected to be unavailable for up to six weeks.
Striker Wandile Duba, meanwhile, is facing a shorter spell on the sidelines after picking up a hip and groin problem. He is expected to miss up to two weeks.
Duba’s absence was noticeable against Golden Arrows. The young forward has scored three goals in four Betway Premiership appearances this season and has emerged as one of Chiefs’ most clinical attacking options.
With Duba unavailable, Chiefs failed to find the net against Arrows and had to settle for another draw.
Thabiso Monyane is also currently unavailable, adding further depth concerns to the squad.
International break could help Chiefs
The timing of the injuries could offer Chiefs some breathing room.
The international break gives the club an opportunity to assess the injured players and allow those with shorter-term problems to recover before domestic football resumes.
For Maboe, however, the immediate focus will be whether he can recover in time to join up with Bafana Bafana.
South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea on Saturday, 26 September at 18:00, with Eritrea also on the fixture list during the international window.
The Chiefs medical team will therefore be closely monitoring Maboe’s progress.
Chiefs need key players back
With the season still in its early stages, Chiefs will hope their injury list does not grow further.
Petersen faces the longest absence, while Duba could return sooner. Maboe’s situation remains the biggest immediate question given his importance to both Chiefs and the national team.
After another frustrating draw, the Glamour Boys will be hoping the international break provides time to regroup — and, crucially, get some of their key players back on the pitch.
Will Chiefs cope with their injury problems, and is Wandile Duba already proving to be one of their most important players this season?
