Kaizer Chiefs handed triple attacking boost as Khanyisa Mayo, Flavio Da Silva and Langelihle Phili near returns

Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely triple injury boost in attack, with Khanyisa Mayo, Flavio da Silva and Langelihle Phili all making significant progress in their respective recoveries ahead of the return of the Betway Premiership.

The Amakhosi medical team has cleared Mayo and Da Silva to resume full first-team training, while Phili is closing in on a return to competitive action.

Their progress comes at an important stage for Fernando Da Cruz, who has had to manage an injury-hit squad during the opening weeks of the campaign. Chiefs are preparing to host Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, and the availability of the three attackers could give the coach greater flexibility when selecting his team.

Mayo’s return, in particular, will be welcomed after Chiefs’ attacking options were stretched by his absence. The striker has not featured in the club’s opening seven league matches after undergoing surgery to treat a hernia.

He also missed Chiefs’ pre-season tour of Spain as he continued his recovery.

Mayo returns to full training

The 28-year-old has now reached a significant stage in his rehabilitation after being reintegrated into full first-team training.

Mayo’s return gives Da Cruz another recognised option in the central attacking areas and could provide Chiefs with additional competition for places in the frontline.

The striker will still need to build his match fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, meaning the club’s medical and technical teams are expected to manage his workload carefully before considering him for competitive action.

Da Silva has also made his way back into full squad sessions following a persistent muscular problem.

The attacker has now participated in high-intensity training with his teammates, a positive indication that he is moving closer to being available for selection.

His return adds another option to an attack that has been affected by injuries and provides Da Cruz with greater depth as he prepares for the resumption of domestic competition.

Both players are expected to continue working on their fitness over the coming days as Chiefs assess whether they are ready to feature against Stellenbosch.

Phili eyes Stellenbosch comeback

There is also encouraging news surrounding Phili, who is further along in his rehabilitation and could make his return to the matchday squad against Stellenbosch.

The 21-year-old winger has been recovering from a serious ankle injury that kept him out for several weeks. He is now in the final stages of his rehabilitation programme and is targeting the upcoming league fixture for a return.

Phili’s availability would give Chiefs another attacking dimension out wide, with his pace and creativity offering Da Cruz an additional option on the flanks.

However, Chiefs’ positive injury update has been tempered by a fresh concern over Luke Baartman.

The 20-year-old attacker suffered a thigh injury while representing the South Africa U23 side against Algeria. Baartman has featured in all seven of Chiefs’ domestic matches this season, making his potential absence a concern for the club.

The extent of the injury is yet to be fully established, but the attacker is now considered a major doubt for the upcoming fixture.

His situation could leave Chiefs with a selection headache, particularly given his involvement throughout the opening part of the campaign.

Nevertheless, the progress of Mayo, Da Silva and Phili provides Da Cruz with important cover at a time when Baartman’s fitness is uncertain.

With the international break providing additional recovery and preparation time, Chiefs will hope the returning attackers can continue their progress and strengthen the squad before the Betway Premiership resumes.