Kaizer Chiefs missing four players for Stellenbosch meeting

Kaizer Chiefs will be without four important players for their return to Betway Premiership action against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday.

Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe, Langelihle Phili and Siphesihle Ndlovu are all unavailable through injury, leaving coach Fernando Da Cruz with several decisions to make ahead of the match.

Chiefs have not played for three weeks and will be looking to restart their league campaign with a positive result. However, their squad has been affected by a series of fitness problems.

“Chiefs still have four major injury concerns, with Brandon Petersen returning to individual training recovering a knee injury,” the club said in a statement.

Maboe, who has featured in all eight of Chiefs’ games this season, is dealing with an ankle injury. Phili and Ndlovu remain long-term absentees, according to the club.

Petersen has begun individual training as he continues his recovery, but he will not be involved against Stellenbosch. The absence of Maboe, in particular, removes a player who has been ever-present for Da Cruz this season.

Baartman fitness being assessed

Chiefs are also waiting to determine whether Luke Baartman will be fit enough to play after the attacker suffered a knock while representing the South African U23 side.

The former Cape Town Spurs forward returned to Naturena following South Africa U23’s two friendly matches against Algeria. Chiefs’ medical staff are monitoring his condition before making a decision on his availability.

The club’s injury concerns come as Chiefs attempt to remain in touch with the leading teams in the Betway Premiership. They are fourth in the table after taking 13 points from their first seven matches.

Amakhosi have won three of those games and drawn four, leaving them unbeaten in the league so far. A victory on Tuesday would move them to 16 points and allow them to maintain their position among the frontrunners as the 2026/26 campaign develops.

Chiefs will face Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30. The match offers Da Cruz’s side the chance to build on their strong opening run despite the absence of four players and the uncertainty surrounding Baartman.