Kaizer Chiefs took to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium pitch for their final pre-match session on Saturday afternoon, where FARPost picked up five key takeaways regarding Fernando da Cruz’s squad condition ahead of the Toyota Cup.
It is the third edition of the tournament, serving as Amakhosi’s final preparatory match ahead of the 2026/27 PSL season, which kicks off next weekend. The match against the Zimbabwean champions will offer coach Fernando da Cruz a chance to check if he has drilled well his methods and philosophy into his men.
Chiefs are gearing up for a demanding campaign in which they will compete across five competitions: the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Confederation Cup. Supporters will get a first-hand look at Da Cruz’s progress against a Scottland FC side also gearing up for their CAF Champions League campaign.
Michael Madyira of FARPost was on the ground at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng to observe the early part of Chiefs’ training session ahead of the Toyota Cup, and here is what he noted.
1. KHANYISA MAYO AND THREE OTHERS SAT OUT TRAINING
Khanyisa Mayo, who recently completed a permanent transfer to Amakhosi, did not train due to injury and watched from the sidelines as his teammates were put through their paces. Also sidelined was left-back Nkanyiso Shinga.
Rising star Thulani Mabaso was another absentee, spotted on the sidelines wearing a protective moon boot. Meanwhile, Siphesihle Ndlovu’s fitness status remains uncertain after he withdrew to join the injured group following the initial warm-up session.
2. IGHODARO READY TO LEAD CHIEFS’ ATTACK
With Glody Lilepo set to officially leave Amakhosi, Etiosa Ighodaro seems ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading Chiefs’ strikeforce. The Nigerian struggled with injuries last season, but he has now fully recovered.
Given that Da Cruz has made it clear he still wants to bring in four attack-minded players, including a proven striker, it would come as no surprise if the coach hands Ighodaro a start on Sunday. Furthermore, the possibility of Chiefs signing a new forward before the transfer window closes remains high. However, the Glamour Boys already boast attacking options in Wandile Duba and Flávio Silva.
3. SAMKELO ZWANE’S ABSENCE
After spending last season on loan at Siwelele FC, Samkelo Zwane was expected to be back at Chiefs. But he did not travel to the Spain pre-season camp and was absent from Saturday’s training session.
This fuels speculation that he might not be part of Da Cruz’s plans for this season. Another loan move or a permanent transfer might be in the pipeline.
4. KWINIKA AND DORTLEY BOOST KAIZER CHIEFS’ CENTRE-BACK OPTIONS
Vice-captain Zitha Kwinika missed Chiefs’ final 11 games of last season due to injury. But he is back fit and appears ready for Sunday’s clash with Scottland.
Also looking fully fit was another central defender, Rushwin Dortley. The former Cape Town Spurs defender spent the whole of last season battling to regain his fitness and never played any competitive match.
But he looked sharp in training and adds to more options in Da Cruz’s war chest for the season.
5. ADOLF MTASINGWA BITEGEKO GELLING WELL AT KAIZER CHIEFS
Newly-signed defensive midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko appeared to be having fun in what was a sign of a man who has already fitted well in the Amakhosi squad. For a player who was not in Spain in pre-season and only joined the team a week ago, he looked to be adapting to his new surroundings.
Being given a run against Scottland cannot be ruled out for the Tanzania international who will be competing for a starting spot with the likes of Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Ndlovu and Mabaso.
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