Kaizer Chiefs have played in multiple competitions this season, including the Betway Premiership, MTN8, CAF Confederation Cup and soon the Nedbank Cup.
While there has been forced squad rotation, three first-team players are still waiting for their first minute of the campaign.
RUSHWIN DORTLEY, NKANYISO SHINGA AND EHTAN CHISLETT
Injuries, selection decisions, and competition for places have all played a role. Here’s a closer look at the three Kaizer Chiefs players who remain unused so far this season.
Rushwin Dortley: Injured and sidelined
Rushwin Dortley, 23, was expected to play an important role this season after establishing himself as a reliable central defender. However, injury has kept the Bafana Bafana international on the sidelines throughout the campaign.
His absence has forced Kaizer Chiefs to promote a rather brilliant Aden McCarthy and a reliance on Zitha Kwinika alongside Inacio Miguel in the heart of defence.
Nkanyiso Shinga: Waiting for his chance
Left-back Nkanyiso Shinga, 25, is another player yet to make an appearance. Signed to replace the likes of Happy Mashiane and Bongani Sam, Shinga has reportedly fallen below the Betway Premiership technical and speed level after arriving from Portugal’s second tier.
Ethan Chislett: Not promising
Similar to Shinga, Chislett, who played in the third tier in England, has reportedly struggled to cope with the Premier Soccer League’s technical, tactical and physical level, evident on the training grounds at Naturena.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ BRIGHT RUN
In the meantime, Kaizer Chiefs are still competing on three fronts this season. In the Betway Premiership, Amakhosi sit third on 30 points from 15 matches, just two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
On the continental stage, the Glamour Boys are also in the mix in CAF Confederation Cup Group D. They occupy third place with seven points after four games, only one point adrift of leaders Zamalek.
Domestic cup action returns this week, with Amakhosi set to begin their Nedbank Cup title defence away to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday. Kick off is set for 19:30 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.