Kaizer Chiefs are dealing with an increasingly crowded treatment room, with several first-team players currently unavailable as the club looks to find consistency in the Betway Premiership.
The latest concern surrounds new signing Lebohang Maboe, who was forced off during the second half of Chiefs’ goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
The full extent of Maboe’s injury has not been confirmed, but the setback has already ruled the experienced midfielder out of the latest Bafana Bafana squad.
Chiefs suffer multiple injury setbacks
Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is expected to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during training.
Wandile Duba is another significant absentee, with the versatile attacker facing several weeks out due to a hip and groin problem.
Duba’s absence could be particularly noticeable given his start to the campaign. The attacker has scored three goals in four league appearances and has provided an important attacking outlet for the Soweto giants.
Maboe’s injury adds another concern.
The 32-year-old has made an encouraging start since joining Chiefs, contributing two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership appearances.
The midfielder subsequently withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea.
More players remain sidelined
Chiefs also continue to cope without talented attacker Langelihle Phili, who is facing a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury.
The club’s defensive options have also been affected, with left-backs Paseka Mako and Khanyiso Shinga unavailable.
Striker Khanyisa Mayo is another player currently on the injury list, further reducing coach Nasreddine Nabi’s options as he attempts to find the right balance in his squad.
With several players occupying key positions unavailable, Chiefs may be forced to rely more heavily on their squad depth in the coming weeks.
Injuries arrive as Chiefs search for consistency
The injury problems come at an awkward time for Chiefs.
The club have drawn four of their seven league matches and have dropped points in four of their last five fixtures.
Their attacking output has also dipped, with Chiefs scoring just once across their last two matches.
Duba’s absence could therefore be particularly significant, while the uncertainty surrounding Maboe leaves another experienced attacking midfielder unavailable.
Chiefs will now turn their attention to their next Betway Premiership assignment against Stellenbosch as they look to halt their recent run of dropped points.
Beyond that fixture, the growing injury list could become an even bigger talking point with the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates looming.
The key question for Chiefs is how quickly their injured players can return — and whether enough of them will be fit when the biggest fixtures arrive.
