Abrahams given chance to shine for Kaizer Chiefs after Phili injury

Faiz Abrahams has been handed an opportunity to establish himself at Kaizer Chiefs after Langelihle Phili was ruled out for eight weeks with an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old winger could make his first start for Amakhosi when they face Siwelele in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, with Phili expected to be unavailable until roughly October.

Phili had made an impressive start to his Chiefs career after joining from Stellenbosch. He scored against Mamelodi Sundowns and was named Player of the Match in the victory over Sekhukhune United, quickly becoming an important attacking option for coach Fernando Da Cruz.

His injury has left Da Cruz with another selection problem in attack, but it has also created an opening for Abrahams, who completed a season-long loan move from Stellenbosch to Chiefs just weeks ago. The deal includes an option for the transfer to become permanent.

Abrahams made his debut in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Richards Bay, replacing a team-mate for the final 24 minutes at the King Zwelithini Stadium. Da Cruz used him as an inverted right winger as Chiefs attempted to recover from a 2-1 deficit.

“The coach told me to go out there and create chances for us to get back into the game,” Abrahams said.

“I think I made a few opportunities that we might have scored from, so I am quite happy with how I did.”

Chiefs eventually earned a point when Siphesihle Ndlovu scored a late equaliser. Abrahams, however, believed his side had done enough to take all three points.

“We played well enough to win the game but we had a couple of misfortunes which we will definitely work on cutting out going forward,” he said.

The cameo gave Abrahams an early chance to show Da Cruz what he can offer, with his pace, ability to provide width and creativity giving Chiefs a different option in the final third.

Phili’s extended absence could now give the former Stellenbosch player a sustained run in the side, starting with Sunday’s league match against Siwelele as Chiefs seek to preserve their positive opening to the campaign.

Abrahams accepts that his first appearance will need to be followed by consistent performances if he is to make himself a regular part of Da Cruz’s plans.

“I’m just going to keep working as hard as I can in order to maintain a high standard week in, week out. Consistency is the most important thing,” he said.

“You have to be at your best every time you set foot on the field.”

With Phili unavailable for a significant period, Abrahams now has the chance to turn an encouraging debut into a regular role at Kaizer Chiefs.