Chiefs defenders face suspension risk before Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs must avoid another yellow card for Inacio Miguel and Thabo Moloisane in their Carling Knockout tie against TS Galaxy if both defenders are to be available for the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates.

The two players have each collected three bookings, including cautions in Chiefs’ match against Stellenbosch FC. A fourth yellow card against TS Galaxy on Tuesday would trigger a suspension for the derby on 31 October.

Chiefs will be the away team when they renew their rivalry with Orlando Pirates at the sold-out FNB Stadium. It is their only remaining league fixture this month.

Before that encounter, Chiefs face Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. They then host TS Galaxy in the first round of the Carling Knockout at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off at 19:00.

The continental fixture does not fall under the jurisdiction of the PSL, meaning the meeting with TS Galaxy represents the immediate disciplinary danger for Miguel and Moloisane.

For Moloisane, missing the derby would be particularly disappointing. The 27-year-old joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC in July and is in line to make his first appearance in the fixture.

His other bookings this season came against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. He has also formed a regular defensive partnership with Miguel, starting alongside him in Chiefs’ past seven matches across all competitions.

Miguel is also at risk of missing the high-profile contest. The defender is set to feature in his fourth Soweto Derby, but has already been cautioned against Mamelodi Sundowns and Siwelele FC.

The potential suspensions come as Chiefs continue to manage a number of injury concerns. Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe, Langelihle Phili, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko and Siphesihle Ndlovu have all been among the club’s injury absentees in recent weeks.

Chiefs will therefore be hoping to come through the meeting with TS Galaxy without adding either of their two key defenders to the disciplinary list before the clash with Pirates.