Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has confirmed a fresh injury setback at the club following their convincing 3-1 win over Orbit College FC. Amakhosi came from behind to secure victory in a Betway Premiership clash played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
They got their goals through Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala and Siphesihle Ndlovu. The result lifted Chiefs to third place on the table, although AmaZulu FC were still to play their fixture against Sekhukhune United FC later in the day. Nonetheless, the win keeps Amakhosi firmly in contention for a top-three finish and qualification for CAF interclub competitions.
Chiefs were forced into changes from their previous match against Magesi FC, with Given Msimango stepping in for the suspended Inacio Miguel. Msimango partnered with Aden McCarthy at the back, as Zitha Kwinika has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
In goalkeeping ranks, Brandon Petersen remains sidelined after undergoing surgery in late February, while Fiacre Ntwari is also unavailable. George Matlou missed out due to injury as well.
WHO’S THE NEW INJURY BLOW AT CHIEFS?
“Let me say 90% of our injury it was due to contact in the game. So, we were unlucky. Every game, we will miss one player or two players, but like I said to you, 80% of our injuries are about contact. It’s bad luck,” explained Ben Youssef.
He went on to reveal that Dillan Solomons, who started the 2-0 win over Magesi, had been ruled out due to injury. “If you look at the last few games, some people have discussed the inconsistency in the squad, but like today, the two substitutions we made were Miguel because it was about a yellow card and Solomons because of an injury.”
The speedy wing-back, Solomons, has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring a goal. “Let me say every week we are forced to make substitutions coming from yellow card or injury. But I have to say thank you for the board that we have a big squad. So, every time one player is not here, there is another player he comes and to make the same job. We have a big squad, and everyone is ready, he has to fight, to continue to play or to keep his position.”
With Solomons out, Thabiso Monyane stepped in and had a good game, while Reeve Frosler, who is back from injury, was on the bench.
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