Kaizer Chiefs’ squad depth tested by injuries ahead of CAF Confederation Cup return

Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season is under increasing pressure as injuries to five players challenge their squad depth ahead of the club’s return to continental football.

The Glamour Boys have not lost any of their opening eight league matches, but three successive draws have reduced the momentum generated by that run. Their latest stalemate came against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, with a reshuffled side struggling to find its usual balance.

Midfielders Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu were unavailable, while attacker Langelihle Phili and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen also remained sidelined.

The shortage was most apparent in midfield, where assistant coach Dillon Sheppard selected Reeve Frosler alongside Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Frosler had previously worked in the position during pre-season, but the decision also reflected concerns about rushing Thulani Mabaso back into action after injury.

“With the injuries that we’ve had, young Thulani (Mabaso) has just come back from injury. To throw him into a game where we’ve just come back from a FIFA break, I think it would’ve been unfair on him,” Sheppard said.

“So, we had to find alternatives. In pre-season, we worked with Reeve in the midfield and like I said he’s played that position before.”

Frosler played a role in creating Chiefs’ equaliser for Mduduzi Shabalala after Sinoxolo Kwayiba had given Stellenbosch the lead. However, the result represented another opportunity missed by Kaizer Chiefs to turn their unbeaten sequence into a stronger points return.

Their tactical approach has also attracted scrutiny. The team’s 5-2-3 formation has prompted questions over whether Chiefs can control the midfield consistently and generate enough attacking threat, particularly when several players in the centre of the pitch are absent.

Sheppard has defended the system, saying it can take on a more attacking shape when the wing-backs advance. Injuries, however, have made it more difficult for the coaching staff to find the right balance.

The timing adds to the challenge, with Chiefs facing a demanding period that includes continental competition and the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on 31 October.

Amakhosi travel to Zambia on Saturday to play Red Arrows in the first leg of their second qualifying-round tie in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup. The return match is scheduled for 23 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The immediate task is to manage the two-legged tie without placing unnecessary demands on players who have only recently returned from injury. The technical team must then keep the squad competitive across several competitions.

Chiefs’ unbeaten league record remains a positive, but their failure to convert more draws into victories highlights the importance of the weeks ahead. Their next fixtures will test whether they have the depth and tactical flexibility to remain unbeaten while achieving better results.