Kaizer Chiefs hit a roadblock in the weeks leading up to a long international break. Have they used the time off to make some constructive changes?
The break came at a good time for Chiefs
Heading into a lengthy break for internationals, Chiefs produced a sequence of indifferent results. They’ve drawn four of their last five, the only win in that sequence was a 3-2 success over Siwelele. Next up is a clash with bogey team Stellenbosch, with ex-Stellies man Thabo Moloisane now lining up for the Glamour Boys. Chiefs now trail newly-crowned MTN8 champions Sundowns by seven points, so they can’t drop too many more before Christmas to stay in the title race. The fitness of playmaker Lebo Maboe is also a concern.
Latest injury news from Naturena
Chiefs are dealing with a lengthy injury list, but several players are on the comeback trail soon. Striker Flavio Silva is back in training alongside Khanyisa Mayo, who has recovered after a hernia operation. 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili is also nearing a return after a serious ankle injury he sustained in late August during training. Phili could return for the club’s home match against Stellenbosch on Tuesday 13 October, which kicks off at 19:30. Luke Baartman is a major doubt after returning from South Africa U23 duty with a thigh injury. Chiefs have lost their last three meetings with Stellies across all competitions.
Wonderkid to train with the senior Chiefs side soon?
18-year-old Steven Mendes won the Golden Boot at the recent COSAFA U20 tournament in Maputo, Mozambique. Mendes, nominally a midfielder, was converted into a striker for the event. He’s nicknamed ‘Stevie G’ by some teammates and could feature for the senior side sooner rather than later. After all, Vela Khumalo knows what he’s talking about when it comes to talented youngsters.
Will Chiefs get back to winning ways when they meet bogey team Stellies? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂
