Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz provides injury update ahead of Siwelele test

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says he is not overly concerned by the club’s injury problems, while praising the medical team for its efforts to return players to full fitness.

Chiefs began the current season without Rushine Dortley and Mduduzi Tshabalala, who were both carrying injuries sustained during the previous campaign. Tshabalala has since returned to action, but the club has continued to manage a number of absences.

Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross and Kabelo Nkwega have all missed matches because of injury, while Langelihle Phili has also recently been ruled out.

Chiefs are now preparing for their Betway Premiership meeting with Siwelele in Dobsonville over the weekend. Da Cruz’s side will be aiming to preserve its unbeaten start to the league campaign despite the ongoing issues within the squad.

The French coach said the injuries could be divided into two categories: problems carried over from last season and those suffered during the current campaign.

“There are two types of injuries,” said Da Cruz

“Injuries players had last season, so it takes time for us to recover these players at 100%.

“And the injuries that happened this season, but our medical staff is doing a very good job, and they are trying to do their best to recover the players as soon as possible.

“But when we have injured players, it shows in our squad so not worried about that.”

Thabiso Monyane is also reported to have been ruled out of competitive football for four weeks. He is expected to join Phili on the sidelines during that period, adding to the list of players unavailable to Da Cruz.

The coach’s comments suggest Chiefs will continue to rely on their existing squad while the club’s medical department works to bring the injured players back. Da Cruz said the staff had been working tirelessly and that he was grateful for the work being done behind the scenes.

The extent of the absences will be a consideration for Chiefs before their match against Siwelele, although Da Cruz indicated that injuries would not dominate his focus. His priority remains preparing the available players for a fixture that could help Chiefs maintain their unbeaten Betway Premiership run.

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