Mako back in Chiefs plans after pre-season injury setback

Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako says he is regaining his strength and sharpness after a pre-season injury kept him out for the opening months of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 32-year-old joined Amakhosi on a three-year contract beginning on 1 July 2025, following seven years with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. His first months at the club were disrupted by an injury suffered during a friendly against Al-Kholood in Spain in July 2026.

The setback was described as a shoulder injury, while the subsequent medical assessment found that Mako had fractured his forearm. He returned to South Africa for specialist orthopaedic treatment and was forced to remain on the sidelines.

After receiving medical clearance and rejoining full training, Mako has gradually worked his way back into coach Fernando Da Cruz’s starting plans. He has now started three successive matches during October 2026.

The left-back played 86 minutes against Stellenbosch FC before completing the full 90 minutes in the Carling Knockout victory over TS Galaxy and the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.

Mako made 18 appearances in all competitions during his first season with Kaizer Chiefs in 2025/26. Although he has not scored or provided an assist this term, his defensive reliability and improving match fitness have strengthened his claim to the left-back position.

“I am getting to the physical level I want to be at. Game by game I feel stronger,” Mako told the club’s media.

He also said the squad remained focused despite results not always matching their performances.

“We are a unified group. Everyone is doing their best, and we are all working tirelessly towards achieving the same goal. It has just been unfortunate that we haven’t got the results we feel our performances deserve, but if we keep up our efforts, they will come. Consistency is key, and we want good performances every game.”

Chiefs turn focus to Carling Knockout

Mako’s return comes as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for another Carling Knockout challenge, with the club targeting a place in the semi-finals.

Amakhosi will host Siwelele FC in the quarter-finals on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The match will be played at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Mako said Chiefs were determined to compete for the trophy but would not look beyond the next match.

“We aim to win this trophy, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, and all that is on our minds is to get through this quarter-final. They are difficult opponents, and we are aware of some of their strengths, but our primary focus is always on our own strategy of how to impose ourselves on them and win the match. We need to concentrate the whole time on executing what the coaches have told us.”