Kaizer Chiefs have given an update on their Covid-19 crisis ahead of Wednesday’s match against Golden Arrows.
The Glamour Boys failed to honour their fixture against Cape Town City on Saturday after a Covid outbreak at Naturena saw 31 members of their personnel test positive.
This publication understands that the club only had nine players available, with three of them being goalkeepers.
While the PSL are yet to officially comment on the incident, Chiefs have now confirmed that they will not pitch for their fixture at Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
“Following further consultations with the medical department and management regarding the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak that occurred at the Kaizer Chiefs Village last week, Kaizer Chiefs is unable to travel for the scheduled league match against Lamontville Golden Arrows, scheduled for Wednesday, 8 December at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban,” Chiefs said in a statement.
Amakhosi also stated they are waiting on the PSL’s directive on whether their remaining December fixtures against Sekhukhune United, Royal AM and Maritzburg United to be postponed.
“While Kaizer Chiefs awaits the Premier Soccer League’s decision on the Club’s request to have the remainder of their matches scheduled for December postponed, the playing squad has cautiously resumed return to play protocols today,” the statement continues.
“On a more positive note, some staff will be emerging from isolation and returning to work in the coming days. However, players who have completed their isolation will need to undergo special return to play protocols to get them back to match fitness. The medical team and the coaches will monitor the situation very closely to try and mitigate risk.
“Kaizer Chiefs doctors continue to keep a close eye on the situation and have imposed strict protocols in the hope of alleviating the crisis in the coming week, as more people are expected to come out of isolation.
“In conclusion, we value the lives of our players, staff, their families, supporters and the country at large. We continue to operate in a safe environment that will not knowingly endanger people’s lives. It must be noted that Kaizer Chiefs has never in the past and will never play with positive Covid cases. We will also not endanger the lives of citizens of this country by engaging in air travel from a province with the highest number of infections to another. We call on responsible behaviour and the need to act as leaders as we deal with this pandemic and these extraordinary circumstances.”
The fixture is scheduled for 19:30 on Wednesday. Chiefs currently sit in fourth place on the log, just one point behind second-placed Sekhukhune United but already nine adrift of leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
