Samkelo Zwane faces lengthy wait for Hope FC debut after hamstring injury

Kaizer Chiefs loanee Samkelo Zwane is set to miss the start of Hope FC’s first season in the professional ranks after arriving at the club with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old midfielder was a notable absentee as The Immortals began their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign with a 1-0 victory over University of Pretoria at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Zwane is expected to spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season with the Cape Town club, having joined on loan from Kaizer Chiefs alongside goalkeeper Bontle Molefe. Amakhosi announced the two deals a week before Hope FC’s opening fixture.

However, Zwane’s debut is now likely to be delayed significantly. A well-placed source told KickOff that the midfielder arrived at Hope FC carrying a hamstring problem and has not been able to take part fully in training ahead of the club’s first campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The Chiefs academy product could be sidelined for at least two months while he works his way back to full fitness. He will then have to compete for a place in the matchday squad and the starting line-up.

His injury comes after a difficult previous season for ‘Mangethe’, who spent the campaign on loan at Siwelele. Despite that move, he struggled to secure regular playing time, appearing in only seven matches across all competitions.

Zwane could benefit from the FIFA international break scheduled for towards the end of September. The pause in the domestic calendar would reduce the number of games he could miss for his new club while he continues his recovery.

Hope FC have been active in the transfer market as they prepare for life in the second tier. The ambitious Cape Town side are co-owned by former Glamour Boys midfielder Keagan Buchanan and have recruited several high-profile players.

Among their new signings is former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm, while Siyabonga Nhlapo has also joined the club. Lyle Lakay, who has previously represented Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Siwelele, is another prominent addition.

Lakay captained Hope FC in their opening-day victory against AmaTuks, as the newly promoted side made a winning start to their historic first campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Zwane, meanwhile, will have to wait before playing a competitive match in Hope FC colours, with his immediate focus now on recovering from the hamstring injury and regaining the fitness required to challenge for selection.