Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely fitness boost as captain Brandon Petersen steps up his recovery, returning to individual training ahead of their crucial Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC.
With Amakhosi set to host Stellies at the FNB Stadium this Tuesday, the club has released an injury update on their skipper and three other key squad members as they look to maintain momentum in the league.
The Soweto giants return to competitive football after a three-week FIFA break. Placed fourth in the standings, they are unbeaten in the league after seven games, recording three wins and four draws.
But the share of spoils has seen them allowing rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC to sit above them on the table. Log leaders Masandawana have seven points more than Chiefs, who have played a game fewer than them.
Second-placed Pirates are six points better than Amakhosi, while Usuthu are three points clear at third position. That presses Chiefs to resume the campaign on a positive note to catch up with the leading pack.
They come up against Stellenbosch, who are seventh on the table after registering two wins, three draws and two defeats. Four points separate Chiefs and the Cape Winelands side. Before going for the FIFA break, Chiefs drew 0-0 with Golden Arrows away from home while Stellenbosch beat Kruger United 1-0 on the road.
WILL PETERSEN, MABOE, PHILI, NDLOVU PLAY AGAINST STELLENBOSCH? CHIEFS UPDATE
Amakhosi are still haunted by fitness issues with key players, and coach Fernando da Cruz and his men have been trying not to feel the injury setbacks.
“Chiefs still have four major injury concerns, with Brandon Petersen returning to individual training, recovering from a knee injury, Lebohang Maboe – who has played in all eight of Chiefs’ games this season – nursing an ankle injury, while Phili and Siphesihle Ndlovu remain long-term absentees,” the club revealed in an update published on their website on Sunday.
“Chiefs, like Stellenbosch, do not have any suspensions for the game and Amakhosi coach, Fernando Da is hopeful of having a strong crop of fit players to choose from.”
Maboe has, arguably, been the standout Chiefs player this season and his absence might see Adolf Bitegeko making his maiden start in the Betway Premiership. In the absence of Petersen, Amakhosi have cover in Renaldo Leaner and Bruce Bvuma.
Last week Chiefs issued an update on forward Luke Baartman who was returning from South Africa national Under-23 duty together with Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams.
“Chiefs have welcomed back three players who were away on duty with the South African U23 national team, adding depth and energy to the squad,” the club said in a statement.
“The medical team is closely monitoring Luke Baartman after he picked up an injury, and updates on his progress, along with other sidelined players, will be shared ahead of the clash.”
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