Dominic Isaacs provides insights to heal Chiefs’ defensive injuries

With the new season looming, Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season has been hit with a string of defensive injuries and former Amakhosi defender Dominic Isaacs has offered valuable insights to help heal the team’s backline woes

Buoyed by the appointment of Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi as the new head coach, Chiefs’ pre-season in Turkey have been overshadowed by a crippling injury crisis in defence.

Nabi arrived with a full complement of assistants, including Khalil Ben Youssef and Fernando Da Cruz [assistant coaches], Ilyes Mzoughi (goalkeeper coach), and Safi Majdi [strength and conditioning coach].

Last week, Nabi lost Edmilson Dove, a versatile defender, who can play centre-back and left-back to an injury. The Mozambique captain has since returned to South Africa for assessment.

New signing Bongani Sam, another left-back, also suffered an injury in Turkey and is back in SA. But Chiefs have Happy Mashiane, who can set up after the release of Sifiso Hlanti as he offers cover at left-back. On the other hand, Reeve Frosler’s versatility allows him to fill that position as well.

Following Njabulo Ngcobo’s departure, the PSL giants have Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Zitha Kwinika, and Given Msimango at the heart of the defence. New arrival Rushwin Dortley, a 22-year-old centre-back who can also play left-back, adding depth.

On the right side, Dillion Solomons is out for nine weeks with a shoulder injury. Kwinika and Frosler are the remaining options, with Kwinika preferred in that position last season.

Academy graduate Aden McCarthy, a versatile 20-year-old who can play centre-back and left-back, could be another option, but his lack of senior experience is a concern.

DOMINIC ISAACS SAYS CHIEFS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS ON HOW THEY HANDLE THEIR DEFENSIVE INJURIES

Retired defender Isaacs has urged his former club, Chiefs to be measured in their response to the defensive injury crisis.

Isaacs insists that the club should prioritise a thorough medical evaluation before rushing into the transfer market for replacements.

“Firstly, they have to look at the seriousness of the injuries. It’s not always a good thing for players to get injuries during pre-season,” Isaacs told FARPost.

“During pre-season that’s where you’re supposed to get your fitness to last you for the whole season and stay injury free. I’m sure there are capable guys willing to fill the gaps.

“The management and the coach are experienced enough not to get too excited and go sign other defenders. They will end up having many defenders because they made decisions that were not calculated.

“But, they know what to do, they have been in the business for so long. That’s why it’s so important to have utility players at the back.”

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