Da Cruz says Chiefs will ease Mokwana into squad after international break

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says Elias Mokwana will be integrated gradually, with the FIFA International break expected to provide an opportunity for the new signing to adapt to his team-mates.

The 27-year-old has joined the club he supported while growing up, completing a move that might have happened several seasons ago before he made a surprise transfer to Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Mokwana spent one season with the Tunisian club, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 38 appearances. He then moved on loan to Saudi Pro League side Al Hazem for a season.

His time at Esperance Sportive de Tunis ended after problems with the quota for foreign registrations led to a mutual termination of his contract. He has since joined Amakhosi and will wear the number 14 shirt.

“Elias Mokwana is a very good player, an experienced player with international experience, he has a lot of quality,” Da Cruz said.

“With no pre-season? It will be tough, but in the upcoming FIFA break it will be the time to integrate him into the team, step by step.”

The timing of Mokwana’s arrival means he faces a short period to establish himself at Chiefs before the international break. Da Cruz indicated that the club will use that window rather than rushing him into the squad.

Chiefs are currently preparing for their Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele, which takes place on Sunday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 18h00.