Kaizer Chiefs coach Da Cruz hints at midfield surprise before Stellenbosch clash

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says the club have prepared a midfield solution for Tuesday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Stellenbosch FC, but has refused to reveal whether Thulani Mabaso will feature in a reshaped line-up.

The Frenchman is dealing with a shortage of options in the centre of the pitch after Lebogang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu were ruled out through injury. Adolf Mtasingwa is also unavailable, leaving Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Mabaso as the remaining midfield choices.

Kaizer Chiefs return to league action at the FNB Stadium, with kick-off against Gavin Hunt’s side scheduled for 19:30.

Da Cruz was asked about the situation during a pre-match media briefing at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Monday. Although he admitted the injuries were a concern, he said his attention was firmly on the players available for selection.

“Yeah, I understand your question very well, directly. We have prepared something for tomorrow, you will see tomorrow,” Da Cruz said.

“But the most important is to be focused. I am not happy about the injured players, but the most important is to be focused on the players available.

“Our main focus is on the players available for tomorrow.”

The coach was then pressed on whether Mabaso, a young midfielder, could be the unexpected selection he had alluded to.

Da Cruz did not confirm the player’s involvement, replying with a laugh: “I don’t know, you will see tomorrow.”

The match gives Amakhosi an opportunity to extend their unbeaten league run since the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.

However, their preparations have been affected by the growing injury list, with the absence of Maboe, Ndlovu and Mtasingwa reducing Da Cruz’s midfield options to Mthethwa and Mabaso.

The coach’s comments suggest that Kaizer Chiefs have considered an alternative approach for the contest, although the details will only become clear when the team is announced before the match.