Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has shared a concerning injury update, saying their situation has not improved, as he also named the travelling squad for Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup, second preliminary round, first-leg clash with Red Arrows FC.
The Soweto giants will be in Zambia this weekend for the match to be staged at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. After taking part in the group stage of the Confederation Cup last season, Chiefs will be bidding to go further in the continental competition.
However, Da Cruz will be trying to psych up his players to who arrive in Zambia against the backdrop of failing to win their last three Betway Premiership matches. Three straight draws have further widened the gap between Amakhosi and their traditional rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
‘IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF TIME’: FERNANDO DA CRUZ ON CHIEFS’ INJURY SITUATION
Also, Chiefs were due to depart Johannesburg without the quartet of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe, Langelihle Phili and Siphesihle Ndlovu. Speaking to journalists at the launch of the Carling Knockout in Fourways on Thursday, Da Cruz gave an update which might be picked by Amakhosi fans as concerning.
“If we compare with the squad of yesterday [Tuesday against Stellenbosch FC], it will be more or less the same,” Da Cruz told the media.
“One or two changes, but our injured players have not recovered. It takes a little bit of time, but we are confident in our squad.”
Against Stellenbosch on Tuesday, the Frenchman was forced to use Reeve Frosler as a defensive midfielder.
“We already tried Reeve [as a midfielder] in pre-season against Al Kholood. The best quality of Reeve is being able to play in different positions,” added Da Cruz.
“So, it’s very interesting for him. We put Reeve as well because he is a good header, to be able to make good headers against Stellenbosch.
“We have two injured players and one fit player in his position. So, we don’t have a lot of choices. The other choices were young players, but we preferred to start Reeve in this position.”
CHIEFS’ 23-MAN TRAVELLING SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Ronaldo Leaner, Bruce Bvuma, Takalani Mazhamba
DEFENDERS: Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Kabelo Nkgwesa, Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, Zitha Kwinika, Reeve Frosler, Bradley Cross, Thabo Moloisane, Sibongiseni Mthethwa
MIDFIELDERS: Thulani Mabaso, Mduduzi Shabalala, Ethan Chislett, Mfundo Vilakazi, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi, Faiz Abrahams
FORWARDS: Flavio Da Silva, Wandile Duba, Etiosa Ighodaro
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