Are Dortley, Mthethwa, Morris & Duba available for Stellenbosch FC clash?
Kaizer Chiefs face Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie set for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday in Gqeberha.
Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be eager to see if Rushwin Dortley, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Wandile Duba, and Tashreeq Morris are ready for the match against Stellies. The Soweto giants have faced significant struggles this season due to multiple injuries.
Nabi welcomes Thabo Cele and Gaston Sirino from suspension, and the two look likely to slot into the starting line-up. But Nabi will be concerned about the injured quartet. Addressing the media on Thursday, Nabi acknowledged it would be a tough game. He said the only “negative point” was the injuries they are faced with.
“The only thing that we could say is a negative point on us is the injuries that have been happening,” said Nabi. “We could have more strength if we didn’t have those injuries. But, we are confident that with the players we have on Saturday, it will be a very good performance.”
WHO AMONG THE INJURED QUARTET COULD BE AVAILABLE FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Dortley and Morris would be Nabi’s biggest headaches as they have been regulars. The Bafana Bafana defender, Dortley, missed the midweek game due to a knock. In his absence, Given Msimango started in central defence. Based on what Nabi has said, the 22-year-old is the most likely to be available.
“It was just a discomfort. We didn’t want to take a risk. He will be back for the next game,” Nabi said after the 1-0 win over Magesi FC in the league.
Morris, on the other hand, who was withdrawn against Mamelodi Sundowns, is a doubt for the game. However, it remains unclear how long he will be out. Ranga Chivaviro or Ashley Du Preez could lead the attack in Morris’s absence.
Duba and Mthethwa are close to returning. The pair were seen training with the rest of the team in images shared by the club’s media. The 20-year-old striker Duba has been out of action since 26 January during the Nedbank Cup tie against Free Agents FC. Although he has resumed training, Nabi may wish to carefully manage his return to avoid aggravating the injury.
Mthethwa, on the other hand, could also be omitted to allow him to heal fully. He last played against AmaZulu on 4 February. Cele will likely anchor the midfield with either George Matlou or Yusuf Maart partnering him.
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