Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley du Preez is on track to return for pre-season after his ankle injury suffered against Cape Town City on the final day of the season.
Du Preez, 25, was stretched off the pitch after being on a wrong end of a lunge from Taariq Fielies which earned him a straight red card in their 1-0 win over Amakhosi that sealed fourth place ahead of the Soweto giants.
It was a worrying sign for their marquee signing from Stellenbosch as he was visibly in distress and needed to be rushed for x-rays.
This website understands the extent of the injury is better than initially feared and, while the player remains on a moon boot, no breaks, or fractures were discovered.
As things stand, Du Preez remains on crutches and should be ready to return for pre-season training with the rest of the Chiefs squad, where several new faces will await him at the Village.
Amakhosi have been swift in their transfer plans with Mduduzi Mdantsane, Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe all secured from the Citizens, TS Galaxy, and SuperSport United respectively.
iDiski Times understands they are also in the market for a new goalkeeper, a left-back, a central midfielder, and a striker for the upcoming campaign.
Beefing up the attack will undoubtedly be a top priority with Chiefs netting only 32 goals in 30 league games last season and while it was a challenging campaign all round, Du Preez managed to score nine goals and register five assists in 32 games across all competitions.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
