Kaizer Chiefs opened the doors of their Naturena base to the media on Wednesday morning as they stepped up preparations for Sunday’s Betway Premiership encounter against Siwelele FC.
The match will be played at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.
While the session offered a glimpse into the work being done ahead of the clash, the availability of several players was a major talking point.
Here are some of the key things we spotted at Naturena.
PHILI IN A CAST
Newly signed winger Langelihle Phili was not part of the session with his left leg in a cast after recently picking up an injury. The highly rated attacker did not take part in training and will miss a few weeks of action. The former Stellenbosch FC attacker had started off brightly with a goal in the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
CHIEFS LEFT-BACK CRISIS EASING
There was better news for Chiefs in the left-back department, with Nkanyiso Shinga, Bradley Cross and Kabelo Nkgwesa all involved in the session. Reeve Frosler, who is naturally right-footed, was also named among the substitutes against Richards Bay FC.
Shinga recently featured in a friendly match and is closer to returning. The return of several options suggests the injury crisis that forced Amakhosi to improvise in that position is easing. However, Paseka Mako remains sidelined and was seen wearing a sling on his injured arm.
DORTLEY EDGING CLOSER TO RETURN
Bafana Bafana defender Rushwin Dortley appears to be making encouraging progress in his recovery. The left-footed centre-back took part in aspects of the session and was seen working with the ball. His return would provide a timely boost for Chiefs, particularly after their defensive struggles against Richards Bay.
Amakhosi’s lack of a natural left-footed centre-back was exposed when Thabo Moloisane’s back pass to Brandon Petersen contributed to Richards Bay’s opening goal. Dortley’s balance and passing angles on the left side of central defence would give the team more options when building from the back.
CONCERNS IN CHIEFS’ CENTRAL DEFENCE
Angolan defender Miguel Inácio was present but did not take part in the activities. He has featured in all five matches [four in the league and one in the MTN8]. Inácio’s absence will be a particular concern, with Moloisane and Zitha Kwinika currently the only available senior right-footed centre-backs.
DA SILVA AND MAYO SIT OUT
There was no sign of last season’s top scorer Flávio da Silva during the session, while Khanyisa Mayo also did not take part in the day’s activities. Mayo appeared somewhat short of peak condition after missing out on the pre-season.
He last played a competitive match on 18 April 2026 in a goalless draw against Polokwane City FC. On the other hand, the Guinea-Bissau international has featured in one league match and scored one goal.
NO SIGN OF THABO CELE
Thabo Cele remains on Chiefs’ books, although it has become increasingly clear that he is not part of the club’s plans. The midfielder was again absent from the session and has not been training with the first team.
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