Kaizer Chiefs confirm five-player injury absence for Stellenbosch FC match

Kaizer Chiefs will be without five key players for Tuesday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, head coach Fernando da Cruz has confirmed.

Midfielders Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu, forward Langelihle Phili and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen are all unavailable after suffering injuries before the recent international break.

The club issued an update on several players’ recoveries over the weekend. Maboe sustained an ankle injury shortly before the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers in September, ruling him out of Bafana’s three matches against Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.

Phili is also recovering from an ankle problem and has missed Kaizer Chiefs’ past four matches. The club said he remains a long-term absentee, along with Ndlovu.

Petersen, who is captain, has returned to individual training after recovering from a knee injury, according to the club’s statement. However, he will not be involved against Stellenbosch FC.

Da Cruz confirmed the full list of absentees when speaking to reporters on Monday, with Mtasingwa the additional name included in the team news.

“Players not available tomorrow: Maboe, Adolf, Ndlovu, Phili and Petersen,” said Da Cruz.

The injuries in midfield have left the coach with limited senior options in the centre of the pitch. Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa is the only available senior midfielder who can start in that position.

Da Cruz acknowledged the difficulty created by the absences but said preparations had been made for the match.

“We have prepared something for tomorrow,” he added.

“You will see tomorrow but the most important thing is to be focused. I’m not happy with the injuries to the players but the most important thing is to focus on the available players for tomorrow.”