Faiz Abrahams drops Kaizer Chiefs squad number hint as debut wait continues

Kaizer Chiefs’ latest signing Faiz Abrahams appears to have dropped a major hint about the squad number he could wear at Naturena.

The 21-year-old shared a picture from the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room ahead of a recent Amakhosi fixture, with the number 35 standing out. The shirt became available following Aden McCarthy’s departure from the club for Azerbaijan side Sabah FK.

Abrahams is yet to make his debut for Chiefs, with head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirming that the youngster is still working towards full fitness.

The attacker missed pre-season with Stellenbosch FC before completing his move to Amakhosi, leaving him behind his new teammates in terms of preparation.

Rapid rise through the ranks

Abrahams arrives at Chiefs with a growing reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising young attacking players.

The Cape Flats-born forward began his development at Ajax Cape Town, which later became Cape Town Spurs, before making his Premier Soccer League debut in April 2024, just a day after his 19th birthday.

He subsequently enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Stellenbosch FC in the 2024/25 DStv Diski Challenge, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.

His outstanding performances earned him the DDC Player of the Season award and paved the way for his senior debut with Stellenbosch. Ironically, his first senior appearance came against the club he has now joined, Kaizer Chiefs.

International experience

Abrahams has also gained valuable experience outside South Africa.

He spent time on loan at Israeli club Hapoel Kfar Saba, making 11 appearances, scoring three goals and registering three assists.

At international level, he represented South Africa at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. He featured three times and supplied an assist as Amajita went on to win the continental title.

His record across youth and senior football has strengthened expectations around what he can offer Chiefs once he is ready to play.

Chiefs debut still on hold

For now, however, Chiefs supporters will have to remain patient.

Da Cruz is unlikely to rush Abrahams back into competitive action after the youngster missed Stellenbosch’s pre-season programme. The coach will want him to build the necessary fitness before handing him his first appearance for the Soweto giants.

Abrahams’ potential association with the number 35 shirt has nevertheless given fans another talking point surrounding the club’s latest recruit.

The bigger question is when the youngster will finally step onto the pitch in the famous gold and black.

Given his rapid development and attacking qualities, Chiefs will be hoping Abrahams can quickly regain his fitness and begin repaying the faith placed in him with his move to Naturena.