Kaizer Chiefs handed injury boost before Siwelele Betway Premiership meeting

Kaizer Chiefs have been boosted by the return of four players to training before Sunday’s Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC, although coach Fernando Da Cruz says they are not yet ready to return to full competitive action.

Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler have resumed training as Chiefs prepare to host Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium. The development is particularly welcome for Da Cruz after injuries left the club short of recognised left-backs in recent weeks.

Thabiso Monyane and Langelihle Phili remain unavailable and will not return until after the FIFA international break, which runs from 21 September to 6 October. Forward Flavio Silva is also still recovering but could be available within the next two weeks.

“Monyane will not be available before the FIFA window because he’s injured for four weeks; Phili is the same thing; he’s injured for eight weeks,” Da Cruz said at the Chiefs training grounds.

“But we have players who came back: Mako, Cross, Kabelo [Nkgwesa] and Reeve Frosler. They are not 100% physically. So they are coming back step by step. With Flavio Silva, he will be ready in one or two weeks.”

Chiefs have been forced to use winger Pule Mmodi at left-back during the recent injury problems. The return of Mako and Cross gives Da Cruz more natural options in that position, but the French coach has made it clear that the players will need time to regain their fitness.

The defensive reinforcements come after Chiefs surrendered a two-goal advantage in their draw against Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium last week. The errors that led to the goals will concern Da Cruz as his side look to return to winning ways against Siwelele.

Chiefs are unbeaten after four league matches and currently occupy third place with eight points. They are two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns and five adrift of leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played one match more.

That position means Sunday’s fixture is important for Amakhosi as they attempt to stay in touch with the early pace-setters. Having additional defensive players available should provide Da Cruz with greater selection flexibility, even if the returning quartet are not yet considered fully fit.

The match against Siwelele will therefore come too soon for Monyane and Phili, while Silva is expected to remain sidelined. Mako, Cross, Nkgwesa and Frosler are back within the squad’s training group, but their involvement at Dobsonville Stadium will depend on their gradual return to full physical condition.