Da Cruz explains Faiz Abrahams’ absence after Kaizer Chiefs defeat

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says new signing Faiz Abrahams was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final defeat by Golden Arrows because he had not completed a pre-season programme.

The highly rated winger was formally unveiled by Kaizer Chiefs last Thursday but was not included in the match-day squad for the first-round MTN8 tie.

Da Cruz said the club’s technical team was following a carefully managed rehabilitation and conditioning plan designed to protect Abrahams’ long-term fitness. The coach stressed that the 21-year-old would not be rushed into competitive action before he was ready.

“For Faiz, he had no pre-season,” said da Cruz via a translator during the post-match press conference when asked about Abrahams.

“He comes without anything, so we are making a plan for him now, and we will prepare him step by step.

“So, you need to be patient.”

Abrahams joined Kaizer Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC and was regarded as one of the most promising young players in South African football before making the move to Naturena.

He developed through the Stellenbosch FC academy and also spent time on loan with Israeli club Hapoel Kfar Saba. The winger was part of the Amajita team that won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, playing an important role in the successful campaign.

His competitive debut will therefore have to wait, although Da Cruz did introduce two other new faces during the cup match against Golden Arrows.

Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa made his official appearance for Kaizer Chiefs, while young prospect Langelihle Phili was handed his debut.

The defeat brought Kaizer Chiefs’ involvement in the knockout competition to an early end and shifted their attention back to the Betway Premiership.

Da Cruz’s side began their league campaign with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Kruger United and will be looking for a second win of the season when they face Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.

The match will take place at FNB Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 19:30.

It will also see Kaizer Chiefs come up against a familiar figure in Cedric Kaze, who is now in charge of Sekhukhune United.

Kaze previously worked as Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coach alongside Ben Khalil Youssef last season, adding an extra storyline to Wednesday’s meeting.

For Da Cruz, the immediate priority will be to restore momentum after the MTN8 exit while continuing to manage the fitness of new arrivals such as Abrahams. The coach’s message is that the winger’s development will be handled gradually, with the club unwilling to risk an early return before he has completed the required preparation.