Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has opened up on his squad juggling act to accommodate a crammed fixture schedule with decisions on Flavio da Silva, Ethan Chislett, Pule Mmodi and Asanele Velebayi.
The Soweto giants have played two games this new season, starting with the 3-1 Betway Premiership victory over Kruger United on August 1. They were then sent packing out of the MTN8 following a 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows FC at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
However, the Arrows game was the beginning of what looks like a busy week for Chiefs. Da Cruz and his men will be back to pick themselves up from the cup game setback when they resume their league business by hosting MTN8 semi-finalists Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
Another home match fixture follows for Amakhosi on Saturday when they welcome Mamelodi Sundowns in a league tie to complete a six-day schedule.
HOW FERNANDO DA CRUZ IS KEEPING HIS KAIZER CHIEFS SQUAD FRESH
To keep his squad fresh, the Frenchman adopted a cautious approach to the Arrows match by resting striker Da Silva and midfielder Chislett, who got knocks at training on Saturday. Wingers Mmodi and Velebayi were also rested as the coach sought to keep his selection pool wide during the tight fixture arrangement.
“First thing, Silva got hurt yesterday [Saturday] at training, matchday minus one. So, we have three games in six days, and we prefer to be careful with him. The same thing for Chislett also,” Da Cruz told the media after the Arrows game on Sunday.
“For players like Velebayi and Pule Mmodi, it’s our choice today [Sunday], but also we have three games in six days. So, we will need the whole squad for these three games because it will be a tough week for us.
“We also missed other players who are injured. They are in rehabilitation and periodisation, but it’s interesting for the players who are available at the moment, and they would come back step by step.”
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