In the wake of Thabo Cele’s recent injury, Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has spoken out about the club’s ongoing struggles with player fitness.
Nabi’s hand was forced as he had to substitute star midfielder Cele at halftime as Chiefs suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat in the Betway Premiership against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
Abafana Bes’thende collected maximum points, thanks to goals by Nduduzo Sibiya, and Knox Mutizwa while Yusuf Maart scored the one goal for Chiefs.
In the clash against Arrows, talented midfielder Cele was replaced by Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who recently recovered from an injury a few weeks ago.
Cele has been a key figure in the Chiefs’ starting line-up since joining the club in the January transfer window. In what was a marquee signing for the Soweto giants, Cele was signed from Russian club Fakel Voronezh.
He has featured in 10 matches in all competitions for Chiefs, showcasing his impressive passing abilities and control in the middle of the park. After sustaining an injury, Cele joins players such as Happy Mashiane, Rushwin Dortley, Samkelo Zwane, Tashreeq Morris, and Reeve Frosler on the sidelines.
NABI FEELS KAIZER CHIEFS’ INJURIES ‘ARE A LOT TO TAKE’
While Thabo Cele’s injury length is unknown at the moment, Nabi says his side is unlucky to be without their key players as they struggle for a consistent winning form.
“I prefer to comment on the general performance of the team and not individual players,” Nabi said after Chiefs lost their 10th match of the season in the league.
“I think we have been unlucky with the injuries we have had. Right now our right-back [Reeve Frosler] and our left centre-back [Rushwin Dortley], Thabo Cele and Tashreeq Morris, who are our latest additions, are out injured. We feel that it’s a lot to take, but we have to keep our energy positive.”
Meanwhile, the Glamour Boys are eighth on the log standings in the Premiership with 29 points from 23 matches. They have won eight, drew five, and lost 10.
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