Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thulani Mabaso moves closer to first-team comeback

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thulani Mabaso has taken a significant step towards returning to first-team football after playing in the DDC Soweto Derby on Sunday.

The 22-year-old featured for Vela Khumalo’s side as Kaizer Chiefs beat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 3-2 at Princess Magogo Stadium in the reserve league fixture.

Mabaso had been out with an injury and was making his return to competitive action. He made seven appearances in the top flight last season before suffering the setback.

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr said Mabaso’s involvement was an encouraging development and suggested the midfielder was now closer to regaining full match readiness with the senior team.

“It was truly a gallant effort by the boys in their opening fixture,” Motaung Jr said, according to the Kaizer Chiefs website.

“We were also happy to see senior team midfielder Thulani Mabaso play his first competitive match since picking up an injury a few months ago.

“His return means he is getting closer to match readiness for the first team.”

The victory gave Khumalo’s team a positive result in the reserve-league Soweto Derby, while Mabaso’s appearance marked his first competitive match since his injury.

His return to action comes after a period on the sidelines and provides a route back towards the Kaizer Chiefs first team, although Motaung’s comments focused on his progress towards being ready for senior football.