Kaizer Chiefs coach explains Maboe and Duba absence

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shed light on the absence of several key figures, including Lebohang Maboe and Wandile Duba, during the club’s crucial 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday night.

The win at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the Betway Premiership was a milestone moment for Amakhosi, officially securing a third-place finish with two games to spare and confirming their return to continental football via the CAF Confederation Cup next season. However, the victory in Polokwane was achieved without the services of Maboe, Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Siphesihle Ndlovu.

Ben Youssef revealed that the omission of Maboe was a precautionary measure taken alongside the medical department. Following a relentless schedule, the technical team opted to rest the versatile midfielder to avoid a long-term setback.

While Maboe was rested, the Chiefs coach confirmed that young attackers Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala remain unavailable as they continue their recovery from respective injuries. Adding to the selection headaches, Siphesihle Ndlovu was forced to watch from the stands as he served a one-match ban for accumulating four yellow cards.

Chiefs update: Why Maboe and Duba missed Sekhukhune win

“For Maboe, like I said, it was fatigue after the last game. We decided with the medical staff and with him to give him a rest in this game,” Ben Youssef explained.

Despite the forced changes, Ben Youssef praised the depth of the squad and the commitment of those who stepped into the starting line-up.

“We try to keep consistency in the team, but sometimes there is a risk of injury, so we should make rotations,” the coach added. “We show that any player you ask to come in, he is ready to fight for the badge, for the team, and for the fans.”