Kaizer Chiefs second assistant coach Cedric Kaze has provided an injury update and timeline for Etiosa Ighodaro’s long-awaited debut at the Soweto giants.
Ighodaro is yet to make his official debut for Chiefs, having joined the club from Mamelodi Sundowns a few games into the new 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
The goal-poacher’s arrival, secured for an undisclosed fee, was intended to strengthen the Chiefs’ attacking options alongside a host of other significant signings, including Lebohang Maboe, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Khanyisa Mayo.
However, a combination of factors—initially missing the pre-season due to a reported transfer dispute between the two Gauteng rivals and then suffering a subsequent training injury—has kept him on the sidelines, frustrating his and the fans’ long-awaited introduction.
Following his transfer move to Chiefs, Ighodaro sustained an injury that has delayed his debut for the Glamour Boys. Before making a move to the Naturena-based side, the talented centre-forward spent the previous season on loan at AmaZulu FC from Sundowns. The Nigerian striker featured in 27 appearances across all competitions for the KZN side and registered six goals under his name.
WHEN WILL IGHODARO MAKE HIS DEBUT AT CHIEFS?
With Chiefs fans itching to see Ighodaro on the pitch, Cedric Kaze has revealed that the talisman could be available for selection after the upcoming October FIFA international break.
“Ighodaro has been injured, but the medical department promised us [that he will return fro the setback soon],” Kaze said after Chiefs booked a place in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round with a 5-4 win over Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP via penalties at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
“He has been training with the group without contact. We’re hoping that after the FIFA break, he will be ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs will shift their focus to league action, looking to end their two-match winless run when they lock horns with AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, 01 October at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
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