Elias Mokwana nearing match readiness as Kaizer Chiefs integration gathers pace

Elias Mokwana is progressing well towards being available for Kaizer Chiefs, although head coach Fernando da Cruz is taking a cautious approach before selecting the new signing.

The 27-year-old was officially unveiled by Amakhosi last week after returning to the Betway Premiership following a spell playing abroad. He joined the club at Naturena shortly before the current FIFA international break.

The pause in domestic football has given the Chiefs technical team time to introduce Mokwana to his new surroundings and develop his fitness without the immediate pressure of a busy competitive schedule.

Sources close to the situation say the winger’s integration has gone smoothly as he works to regain the match sharpness needed to compete at the required level.

Da Cruz has already indicated that Mokwana will not be hurried into action. Chiefs are instead focused on ensuring the former Sekhukhune United player settles properly and reaches full physical readiness before he is considered for competitive football.

Mokwana could offer the team an additional attacking option once available. His pace and ability in the final third are expected to provide greater creativity, penetration and a goal threat, particularly in matches where Chiefs need to break through opposing defences.

The winger returns to the PSL after spending the past two seasons outside South Africa. He left Sekhukhune United for Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis in 2024 before continuing his career abroad.

His arrival comes with several important fixtures ahead for Amakhosi when domestic football resumes after the international break. One of the most significant is the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, it remains unclear whether Mokwana will have reached the necessary level of readiness to be included for that match. The club’s immediate priority is to complete his integration and ensure he is prepared for the demands of competitive action.

For now, the technical team is using the international break to work with the new arrival and assess his progress, rather than setting a fixed date for his involvement.