Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has been ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee in training. Petersen had started every match for Amakhosi since the beginning of the season.
His absence leaves Da Cruz with more than a goalkeeping problem. The French coach must decide who will wear the captain’s armband in Mbombela.
Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner is the obvious candidate to take the gloves.
INACIO MIGUEL TO TAKE THE ARMBAND?
The obvious option would have been vice captain Zitha Kwinika. However, Kwinika lost his place in the starting lineup for the recent match against Polokwane City, with Bradley Cross replacing him in defence.
Da Cruz now has to identify a new leader who can provide stability as the Glamour Boys attempt to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign.
Miguel immediately stands out among the available candidates.
The Angolan international has already shown that he can handle leadership responsibility and has previously been appointed captain during the season, including during pre season assignments and high profile friendlies.
Miguel has also been a regular starter under Da Cruz and was part of the central defensive pairing against Polokwane City.
His position could also make him an attractive option. As a central defender, Miguel is constantly involved in organising the defence and communicating with players around him.
That could make the 28 year old an important voice on the pitch while Petersen remains sidelined.
WHAT ABOUT MTHE THWA AND THE OTHER SENIOR KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS?
Sibongiseni Mthethwa is another option for Da Cruz. The 31-year-old midfielder has already worn the captain’s armband for Chiefs, giving him previous experience of leading the team onto the pitch.
Mthethwa has also established himself as an important player in Da Cruz’s midfield. He started alongside Lebohang Maboe against Polokwane City and has been used as the team’s defensive midfield anchor.
There are also other experienced candidates in the squad.
Reeve Frosler has become an established figure at right-back, while Pule Mmodi remains an important attacking player. Newly signed Lebohang Maboe has also quickly made his presence felt, scoring Chiefs’ goal against Polokwane City and earning the Man of the Match award.
None of those three have traditionally carried the official senior captaincy role, however, making their potential appointment a fresh option for Da Cruz.
CAN THE NEW CAPTAIN LEAD AMAKHOSI AGAINST ARROWS?
There will be little time for the next captain to settle into the responsibility.
The Soweto giants travel to Mpumalanga this weekend to face Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium. The seventh round Betway Premiership fixture kicks off at 15:00 on Sunday.
Chiefs remain unbeaten after six league matches and currently have 12 points. The team will now need to cope without Petersen, who has been a constant presence between the posts since the start of the campaign.
Da Cruz therefore has an important decision to make before the trip to Mbombela.
Whether he turns to Miguel, Mthethwa or another senior figure, the new captain will immediately inherit one of the biggest leadership responsibilities at Naturena.
WHO SHOULD CAPTAIN KAIZER CHIEFS?
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