Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has received a massive injury boost ahead of the DStv Premiership clash against Royal AM on Saturday.
FARPost was at Naturena for the Chiefs media open day and shares seven things spotted.
FULL SQUAD BACK
Keagan Dolly, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Ranga Chivaviro and Edmilson Dove are all back from injury. Dolly and Dove have yet to feature this season, while Chivaviro had to be substituted against TS Galaxy last month. ‘Mshini’ started against Chippa United in the season’s opening game. Of course, Ntseki may not want to rush them to action. But the quartet was spotted getting ready to train with the rest of the team.
“I must say it’s positive to have the full squad back in training and having that headache the best team to go into camp and play matches,” Ntseki told journalists.
CAUTIOUS WITH DOLLY
Because of the severity of the injury, Ntseki hinted that he would gradually bring back Dolly into the team. He suggested he may not play a part against Royal AM on Saturday.
Dolly featured for 45 minutes against AmaTuks in last week’s friendly with a heavily bandaged knee.
“I think we all know what type of injury he sustained. It’s not going to be just a quick return to play.
“I think he’s still going through his ‘back-to-play’ protocol – tactically and physically. But I think mentally, he’s very strong. He looks sharp in terms of his tactical understanding of the game.”
All things being equal, Dolly may be available for the second leg of the MTN8 Cup against Mamelodi Sundowns. The two teams played a 1-1 draw and will lock horns in a fortnight.
“Hopefully, in the next week or so, he will be available for selection.”
THE ABSENCE OF BONTLE MOLEFE
The one player absent from the Amakhosi fold is fourth-choice goalkeeper Bontle Molefe. Molefe is the only player still ruled out by injury. The 20-year-old is still nursing a wrist injury, and it is unclear when he will return. He has not been part of the team this season, also missing out on the pre-season games.
NZORI TRAINING WITH SENIOR TEAM
With Molefe out nursing an injury, Lungile ‘Nzori’ Nkosi is currently training with the senior team. Nzori was spotted with Itumeleng Khune, Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma as the team gathered for training. The young goalie, who hails from Katlehong, is from the DStv Diski Challenge side. Also known as ‘Bhinini’, the former Alberton FC shot-stopper turned 20 last week.
THE SPANISH-PORTUGUESE COMPANY
Edson Castillo, Jasond González and Edmilson Dove were seen conversing just before training. The South Americans – Castillo and González – speak Spanish, while Dove is a Portuguese speaker. The Mozambican can seemingly communicate with the duo and interpret for the technical team. His return from injury should be a massive boost on and off the field. The 29-year-old sat on the bench as the Mambas beat Benin 3-2 to qualify for next January’s AFCON.
The Venezuelan Castillo has hit the ground running and will be looking to help the Colombian forward settle in.
MAHLATSI STILL AT KAIZER CHIEFS
Kamohelo Mahlatsi was also part of the session as the club continues to finalise his possible exit. ‘Nyaope’ is linked with a departure from the club after a challenging maiden season at Naturena. He joined the Soweto giants from Swallows at the start of the 2022/23 season but struggled for game time. Indications are that he wants to leave to seek game time elsewhere. With the transfer window still open, Chiefs are looking to conclude his exit. But in the meantime, he remains at the club until his issue is resolved.
DDC WINGER JANSEN TRAINING WITH FIRST-TEAM
Donay Jansen was in fine form for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team last season, earning himself the spotlight and an invite to train with the first team. The 20-year-old right winger, who hails from Reiger Park, scored 12 goals in the DDC last season.
He got off the mark for the season over the weekend when he scored his first goal of the 2023/24 term against Orlando Pirates.
The youngster has never hidden his dream to pull on the Amakhosi senior team’s jersey. On Thursday 14 September, he was among a number of youngsters training with the first team.
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