Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has revealed that some new signings could make their debut appearances in Sunday’s Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 clash with Stellenbosch FC at the Cape Town Stadium.
Amakhosi were one of the most active teams in the last transfer window, bringing in 11 new players to Naturena as they look to be competitive in the 2025/26 season.
The likes of Flavio Silva, Khanyisa Mayo, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu have already tasted competitive football while in Chiefs colours. That leaves Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Etiosa Ighodaro, Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi as those yet to feature in official matches for Chiefs.
But Ighodaro and Maboe are still working on their fitness, making them unlikely to be selected on Sunday, while Baartman is in Chile at the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup with Amajita.
A boardroom battle between Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs has delayed Velebayi and Baartman’s debuts for Amakhosi. That leaves Shinga and Chislett likely to earn some playing minutes against Stellenbosch.
Having been held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu FC in their last Betway Premiership match, Chiefs coaches might turn to their untested players as they look for solutions to progress in the Beer Cup.
“Yes, probably [fielding new players]. We will have played six games in the past 18 days, which has taken great effort from the players, so it will help to introduce some fresh legs to the team,” Kaze said.
CHIEFS READY TO TAKE THE BATTLE AGAINST STELLIES TO PENALTIES
There is a possibility Sunday’s match could spill into a penalty shootout to separate the Soweto giants and Stellenbosch. Chiefs have already shown their shootout prowess after eliminating Kabuscorp from the CAF Confederation Cup via the lottery kickouts.
However, Gaston Sirino and Glody Lilepo have missed penalty kicks in Amakhosi’s last two PSL games against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu, matches that both ended 1-1. Kaze says they are prepared for a shootout should Stellenbosch stretch them beyond extra time.
“In the last two games, we were unfortunate not to score our penalties, especially since they [Sirino and Lilepo] are our best penalty takers,” said Kaze.
“People might think it’s down to a lack of preparation, but we practice penalties every day. In football, penalties can be missed, and it is something we will continue to work on. If the situation arises again, we will approach it with confidence.”
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