Kaizer Chiefs will be forced to make three changes when they host Kabuscorp at the FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:00 in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Interim coach Cedric Kaze dropped a bombshell, confirming that three Kaizer Chiefs starters from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallants won’t be seen in Saturday’s continental clash.
The Rwandan mentor revealed a mix of bad luck and bad timing, two fresh injuries and one paperwork slip.
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS TO MISS CAF CONFEDERATION CUP TIE AGAINST KABUSCORP
The biggest talking point is the new striker, Khanyisa Mayo. Despite impressing since his arrival, Mayo is ineligible for the tournament after joining Amakhosi after the CAF registration deadline.
Kaze also revealed injury setbacks. Midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu has been ruled out, while left-back Paseka Mako is again sidelined. It’s another blow to Mako’s Amakhosi journey, having already missed pre-season with a broken arm. The defender, who arrived from Orlando Pirates in July, now faces a second spell on the sidelines.
“Unfortunately, Mayo can’t feature because we were not able to register him due to the fact that it was already the deadline by the time he joined us,” the Kaizer Chiefs tactician revealed.
“We will also be without Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu, because they picked up injuries in the last game [against Marumo Gallants in their 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership],” Kaze added.
Here’s how Kaizer Chiefs linedup on Wednesday: Petersen (1), Mako (29) (Mmodi (13) 82’), Kwinika (4), Miguel (84), Mthethwa (5), Frosler (39), Cross (48), Ndlovu (8) (Cele (21) 46’), Sirino (10) (Shabalala (7) 59’), Mayo (3) (Lilepo (99) 59’), Du Preez (9) (Ngcobo (12) 82’) Subs not used: Ntwari (30), Solomons (18), McCarthy (35), Da Silva (77).
Also read: Transfer window closed – Here’s Kaizer Chiefs’ 39-man squad
PREDICTED REPLACEMENTS
So, who is set to replace Mako, Ndlovu, and Mayo? The side is expected to revert to a back four, moving Bradley Cross to left back in place of Mako.
In Ndlovu’s place, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo will earn his first start in three outings. Upfront will be another chance for Flavio da Silva to earn his second start.