Kaizer Chiefs hit by injury wave ahead of Siwelele clash

Kaizer Chiefs are managing a growing injury list as they prepare to host a struggling Siwelele FC in a crucial Betway Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. The game is set to start at 7:00 (SA time).

The Glamour Boys, who are currently fourth on the log, return to domestic action following their goalless draw against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend. They will face the same side in the return leg on Saturday at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

But before that tie the Soweto giants will have Siwelele to worry about in the Betway Premiership campaign in a midweek fixture at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. In the league, Amakhosi are on 15 points in eight games and are in fourth place on the log standings.

The technical team faces significant selection challenges as seven key players remain sidelined for the midweek encounter. The club confirmed on Monday that George Matlou, Thabiso Monyane, Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Bontle Molefe, Given Msimango, and Rushwin Dortley are all unavailable due to injury. Msimango and Dortley, in particular, have been out for extended periods.

However, there is a silver lining for the Amakhosi faithful. The medical ward is seeing some encouraging recoveries just as the schedule intensifies.

The trio of Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga are all nearing full match fitness. While their participation against Siwelele FC is not guaranteed, their return offers the coaching staff much-needed depth ahead of the quick turnaround and the crucial CAF Confederation Cup second leg at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Kaizer Chiefs Statement On Injury Woes

“Kaizer Chiefs touched down in South Africa on Sunday afternoon following an intense three-day international outing in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo,” reads the club statement. 

“The medical team are currently managing a growing injury list, with George Matlou, Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Bontle Molefe, Given Msimango, and Rushwin Dortley all sidelined. Msimango and Dortley, in particular, have been out for extended periods, posing selection challenges for the technical team.

“Despite these setbacks, there’s a silver lining. The squad is seeing a wave of recoveries that could bolster the team in the coming games. Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga are edging closer to full match fitness, offering the coaching staff a welcome selection dilemma.

“Siwelele will not be taken lightly as they have familiar faces to Amakhosi players and fans alike in their team. The side features former Chiefs forwards Tebogo Potsane and Christian Saile, along with loanees Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane, who bring recent insider knowledge of the Amakhosi setup. The Chiefs coaching team anticipate a competitive encounter and are preparing accordingly.”