Kaizer Chiefs turn to emergency options as left-back injuries mount

Kaizer Chiefs’ left-back crisis has deepened after Reeve Frosler suffered a Grade 2 hamstring tear, leaving coach Fernando Da Cruz with another key player unavailable during a demanding stage of the season.

Frosler could be sidelined for a considerable period and joins an already lengthy list of injured defenders. Nkanyiso Shinga, Paseka Mako and Bradley Cross are also out, while young defender Kabelo Nkgwesa has now been added to the unavailable players after recently providing further cover in the position.

The scale of the problem forced Da Cruz to change his defensive approach for Saturday’s meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

Rather than use his usual back four, the French coach selected a five-man defence, with Pule Mmodi filling in as an emergency left wing-back. The adjustment helped Kaizer Chiefs stay competitive against the African champions as the match ended in a 1-1 draw, but it also underlined the shortage of natural left-backs available to Da Cruz.

“All the left-backs are injured,” the coach said after the match.

“We were unlucky in the last few days in the left full-back position. Between the Sekhukhune United game and today (Saturday), we lost two more players to injury, who are Reeve (Frosler) and Kabelo (Nkgwesa).”

Frosler’s injury is particularly significant because of his versatility, but the immediate concern for Kaizer Chiefs is the lack of recognised players who can operate on the left side of defence.

The situation creates a difficult selection problem for Da Cruz, although the schedule provides him with some time to consider his options. The MTN8 semi-finals this weekend give the coach a short period in which to assess his squad, despite the continued demands of the Betway Premiership programme.

Mmodi’s performance against Mamelodi Sundowns offered one possible temporary answer. Da Cruz could again use him as a wing-back, retain the five-man defensive system or move another versatile player into the position, depending on the opposition.

It remains uncertain whether the tactical change used at FNB Stadium will become a regular feature. The decision may instead depend on how quickly players recover and which alternatives are available for each fixture.

For now, Kaizer Chiefs must find a short-term solution to a problem concentrated in one position. With several left-backs unavailable at the same time, Da Cruz’s ability to reshape his team could prove important as Amakhosi attempt to remain competitive across multiple fronts.

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