Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed a crisis after the fought to a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns. He revealed that the club lost two more players during the week.
The situation forced the Frenchman to select the winger Pule Mmodi as a wing back on Saturday.
FIVE LEFT-BACKS OUT FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
“Our left-backs are all injured,” Da Cruz told the media after the match. “Between the match against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday and today [Saturday], we lost Reeve and Kabelo,” the coach said.
Reeve Frosler had already started the season as a makeshift solution at left-back. His latest injury now leaves Kaizer Chiefs with even fewer options in the position.
The full list of injured left-backs includes Paseko Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Bradley Cross, Reeve Frosler and Kabelo Nkgwesa. The situation leaves Da Cruz with a difficult selection problem as the season continues.
The injuries have forced Kaizer Chiefs to find alternative solutions at a position that has now become a major concern. Meanwhile, Amakhosi will be out of action until the 26 August. They will travel to KwaZulu Natal to battle Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ ERA
Kaizer Chiefs have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 season under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
The French-Portuguese coach has guided the Amakhosi through four competitive matches, recording two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Kaizer Chiefs opened their campaign with a 3-1 away win over Kruger United on 1 August. Flavio Da Silva scored early before substitute Wandile Duba struck twice to secure Da Cruz’s first Betway Premiership victory.
A week later, Lamontville Golden Arrows ended their MTN8 campaign with a 1-0 quarter-final win at FNB Stadium.
The Amakhosi quickly bounced back. They defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 on 12 August before facing champions Mamelodi Sundowns three days later.
Kaizer Chiefs entered the Sundowns clash without a natural left-back after five players suffered injuries. Da Cruz responded with an improvised 3-5-2 formation, helping his side secure a 1-1 draw against the African champions.
New signing Langelihle Phili scored for the Amakhosi. The result extended Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start in the Betway Premiership to three matches, with seven points from nine.
Despite the early MTN8 exit, Da Cruz has already shown tactical flexibility and defensive resilience, giving the Amakhosi plenty of reason for optimism.
