Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has confirmed that they will be without five key players for their Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday at FNB Stadium.
The midfield trio of Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu along with attacker Langelihle Phili and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen remain sidelined with injuries they picked up before the recent international break.
The club released a statement over the weekend giving updates on some of the players’ recovery journey. Maboe injured his ankle just before the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers in September and missed out on the three Bafana matches with Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.
Phili is also nursing an ankle injury that’s kept him out Chiefs’ last four matches and remains a long-term absentee with Ndlovu according to the club. Captain Petersen has according to that statement retuned to individual training after recovering from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the coach confirmed the players’ absence from the Stellies encounter to reporters on Monday with Mtasingwa an additional name on the list.
“Players not available tomorrow: Maboe, Adolf, Ndlovu, Phili and Petersen,” said da Cruz.
The injuries to the midfielders have left Da Cruz with few options in the central position, leaving him with Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa as his only available senior option to start. The coach admitted it’s tough, however he has plans for Tuesday.
“We have prepared something for tomorrow,” added Da Cruz.
“You will see tomorrow but the most important thing is to be focused. I’m not happy with the injuries to the players but the most important thing is to focus on the available players for tomorrow.”