As Kaizer Chiefs’ players gathered for a Tuesday morning training session at their Naturena base, assistant coach Cedric Kaze provided a crucial squad update that included details on the injury status of defender Paseka Mako.
Mako joined Chiefs in June, having parted ways with Orlando Pirates alongside Thabiso Monyane. He arrived with the rest of the new signings, which included Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett and Siphesihle Ndlovu.
However, Mako sustained a reported broken arm shortly after his first few training sessions with Chiefs. This injury forced him to miss the pre-season tour to the Netherlands, the Toyota Cup tie against Asante Kotoko, and the club’s opening game of the 2025/26 season against Stellenbosch FC.
And as the Soweto giants prepare to host Polokwane City FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening [19h30], assistant coach Kaze addressed the media in the absence of Nasreddine Nabi. The Amakhosi head coach is currently in Tunisia dealing with a family emergency.
Kaze stated that Mako has recovered from a setback and is now ready for selection. Furthermore, as reported by FARPost, Kaze also confirmed that Ethan Chislett is now eligible for selection.
Chislett, who missed Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Stellenbosch, has successfully obtained his South African passport, allowing him to be registered as a local player.
Meanwhile, the reigning Nedbank Cup champions are still awaiting international clearances for new signings Flavio Silva and Nkanyiso Shinga.
CEDRIC KAZE CONFIRMS PASEKA MAKO IS BACK FROM INJURY
“The good thing is that we didn’t have any injuries from the last game or suspensions,” said Kaze, implying that Ashley Du Preez, who took a knock in the Stellenbosch match, has also been cleared to play. This is in addition to the return of Pule Mmodi. The latter had received a red card in the last game of the previous season.
“We are going to have a couple of players back from different setbacks. Mmodi is back from his suspension, and Ethan is available for selection after his paper has been resolved. Mako, as well, is available for selection after being cleared by the medical staff. I think that we are in a very good space for tomorrow’s game.”
Kaze added: “It’s our first home game in front of our fans, and we know what we’ve been lacking from last season, the consistency. This is why tomorrow’s game for us is very important.”
“We are very focused, everyone, the players, the technical staff, the management. We know the importance of tomorrow’s game.”
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