Kaze gives key update on Chiefs stars before Sundowns showdown

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has provided an update on key players Aden McCarthy, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga ahead of their crucial midweek clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Speaking to the media on Monday at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, Kaze confirmed that several players in the squad are battling the flu. He then addressed the status of three of the team’s promising players ahead of the Wednesday night match against Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

Aden McCarthy, who was substituted in the first half of last week’s win against Richards Bay FC in the league, remains a doubt for the match. “About Aden, he hasn’t been training since that day,” Kaze stated. “The medical staff are working hard to get him back… we’ll have to wait and see how he does tomorrow to decide whether he will be part of the game or not.”

Nkanyiso Shinga, who is yet to make his official debut for the club, is also a concern. Shinga has been sidelined by an undisclosed illness, which has also reportedly affected his teammate Bradley Cross.

Meanwhile, new signing Etiosa Ighodaro picked up a knock in training just two days ago, making his participation uncertain. “We have Shinga and Cross who have been sick in the last few days,” Kaze said. “Ighodaro was also injured at training two days ago. But apart from that, everyone is well and ready for the game.”

In other news, Kaze confirmed that long-term absentees Given Msimango and Rushwin Dortley are not expected to return to action until next month. He added that Msimango is “doing better” and could be back in early September, while Dortley’s return is estimated for early October.

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