Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has hinted at a surprise starter against Young Africans on Sunday afternoon.
Amakhosi host Tanzania giants Yanga in the inaugural Toyota Cup set for the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Kick-off is 3PM.
It will be the first time Chiefs fans watch their club under new coach Nabi since he took over earlier this month.
The Tunisian mentor faces a challenging situation, particularly in the left-back position. Chiefs released veteran fullback Sifiso Hlanti at the end of his contract in June. They brought in Bongani Sam from Orlando Pirates, but he is out nursing an injury. Sam had to return home from Turkey early into the preseason tour after sustaining an injury.
Edmilson Dove, another man who can fill in at left-back, faces a long layoff after tearing his Achilles.
Nabi’s troubles at left-back are compounded by the fact that Happy Mashiane has a family commitment and is unavailable for the game.
The two-time league winner with Yanga has hinted at a surprise inclusion in that position.
WHICH SURPRISE STARTER COULD KAIZER CHIEFS FANS SEE?
During the club’s final training session at the match venue on Saturday, the possible starters wore red vests.
There was an unexpected face wearing a red vest, signalling Nabi could throw in a surprise starter in the match.
“Most of the players are in excellent condition to play,” Nabi told journalists during the Match Day minus one. “Dove has an injury and the left back player [Sam] is also having a minor injury.
“The goalkeeper and the defender who joined us from Cape Town [Rushwin Dortley] might not play the game tomorrow, we need some time to test them.” He went on to hint that “a new player” could slot in at left-back.
“Another player, Happy, has a family commitment, and maybe he’s not ready for tomorrow [Sunday]. Maybe tomorrow, we have another new player for this position, but I have a big chance because the league is not starting soon. We have a month to try and bring in new players.”
Nkosana Mbuthu, son of Chiefs legend Patrick Mbuthu, wore a red bib during Saturday’s session. The only defenders that wore red bibs are Given Msimango, Reeve Frosler and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
Frosler plays at right back while Ditlhokwe and Msimango could start in the heart of defence. It leaves left-footed Mbuthu as the most likely option at left-back although he is an attacking midfielder.
The 19-year-old academy graduate either plays in midfield or on the wing. Mbuthu, who cut his teeth at Grey College in Bloemfontein, travelled with the senior team to Turkey for preseason. He is tipped to be the next academy graduate to ascend to the senior ranks.
RELATED STORY: Why Nasreddine Nabi couldn’t resist the Kaizer Chiefs call
