Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi faces a striker crisis ahead of the much-awaited Soweto Derby on Saturday at FNB Stadium.
Nabi, who returns from a two-match suspension after receiving a red card against Golden Arrows earlier this month, will guide Amakhosi in his first Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
Having been at the helm of Young Africans, bitter rivals of Simba SC in Tanzania, for two years, Nasreddine Nabi knows just how important a derby is.
Saturday’s match in the Betway Premiership is no different and may carry even greater significance. The Tunisian has been in charge at Naturena since the season began. The club has had an inconsistent start, recording six wins and three draws from 14 matches. They currently sit in fifth place, having lost five games in the league thus far.
A win will not only enhance their position in the Betway Premiership table but will also provide a significant confidence boost for the Kaizer Chiefs project, whose broader aim is to end nearly a decade-long trophy drought.
THE STRIKER CRISIS AT KAIZER CHIEFS EXPLAINED
But Nabi will have to find a way around the unavailability of three striking options over the weekend. Ashley Du Preez, scorer of a brace in the Soweto Derby last season, sustained an injury during a recent league game against Stellenbosch FC.
The former Stellies forward fell awkwardly and fractured his elbow. He is expected to be out for a couple of weeks and will miss the Soweto Derby. Wandile Duba also suffered a left knee injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for the next six weeks.
This week, Amakhosi announced the arrival of Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United. The deal saw Christian Saile join Matsatsantsa.
However, Morris is out serving a suspension after picking up a red card against Sekhukhune United earlier this month. He missed one game as a SuperSport player and looks set to miss the second as a Chiefs player. It leaves Nabi with only Ranga Chivaviro as his striker.
The former Marumo Gallants hitman, Chivaviro, will go into the game with a bit of confidence, having scored in the 4-0 win over Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side Free Agents FC. The goal took his tally for the season to five in all competitions. He has featured in 16 games this season.
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