Kaizer Chiefs opened their doors to the media on Monday at Naturena Village as they stepped up preparations for their Betway Premiership encounter against Richards Bay FC.
Amakhosi host the Natal Rich Boyz at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo on Wednesday. Kick-off is 19h30.
Here are five things we picked from the Soweto giants session.
NABI ON THE RECOVERY PATH
Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi missed the Home of Legends Cup tournament played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium during the just-ended FIFA International break. The Tunisian mentor had a knee operation and was recovering from surgery at home.
During the FIFA break, Nabi was seen at the Tunisia-Madagascar 2025 AFCON qualifier at Loftus Stadium using crutches just days after the surgery. However, he walked without crutches at the village on Monday. He will be able to take charge of the team, having missed the Home of Legends Cup.
In his absence, his two assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, guided the team to the cup triumph in Gqeberha. Ahead of the midweek encounter, news reaching FARPost is that Kaze will be able to sit on the bench after receiving his work visa last week.
NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO A DOUBT
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo was a notable absentee during Monday’s session. Nabi revealed that the midfielder, who turned 25 last week, had picked an injury on Sunday during training. ‘Mshini’ was due for a medical assessment to ascertain the nature of the injury.
He was seemingly establishing himself in Nabi’s plans, having initially struggled to lockdown a starting place. Mshini featured for Chiefs during the Home of Legends Cup and was one of those who impressed Nabi. “The only concern we have is Mshini, who came back very well [in recent weeks].
He got injured in training yesterday. We have to do a test today, but it’s uncertain [that he’ll play],” Nabi explained. The former youth international would have been in contention to start in midfield alongside Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa.
FIACRE NTWARI PART OF KAIZER CHIEFS SESSION AFTER INJURY SCARE
Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari participated in the session, and Nabi revealed that he started training on Saturday. The former TS Galaxy goalkeeper had to leave the field during Rwanda’s recent AFCON qualifier against Nigeria due to injury.
The Amavubi keeper couldn’t finish the match. However, the knock, initially considered severe enough to sideline him, appears less severe than initially feared.
“Ntwari returned from national team duty with a minor injury, but he’s been back in training since two days ago [Saturday],” Nabi said. “All three goalkeepers are in contention. We want to foster competition among them, and the final decision will be based on their performances.”
The 25-year-old Ntwari has been the first-choice keeper in all official games this season. However, Nabi’s assistant coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, were impressed by Brandon Petersen’s Home of Legends Cup performance.
Petersen came on as a substitute for Bruce Bvuma in the second half of the 2-0 win over Golden Arrows. He then started the final against Sundowns, which ended in a scoreless draw. Chiefs eventually won the Home of Legends Cup in a penalty shootout.
KAIZER CHIEFS STAR GASTON SIRINO FIT
Gaston Sirino missed the Home of Legends Cup, possibly because of a knock. The 33-year-old has struggled with fitness issues.
Nonetheless, he has started six games and scored two goals and four assists. But ahead of the midweek clash, the Uruguayan was seen training with the rest of the team. Nabi has previously emphasised how vital the former Mamelodi Sundowns star is to him. He will be happy to have him fit ahead of the encounter.
The former AS FAR Rabat mentor particularly praised Sirino’s contribution to the 4-0 victory over SuperSport United but highlighted that the player wasn’t at peak fitness due to a recent injury. He explained that Sirino’s training time was limited. Nabi expressed confidence that Sirino would have a more significant impact once fully recovered and believed younger players could benefit from his experience.
DEFENDER GIVEN MSIMANGO READY TO STEP UP
Given Msimango looks likely to replace Miguel Inacio, who is out due to suspension. The Angolan picked a red card against Sundowns after a second bookable offence in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The former TS Galaxy captain featured during the Home of Legends Cup and recent friendly matches. The 27-year-old, a regular last season, has not seen much action. He was introduced as a substitute twice so far this season. Last season, he featured in 30 games in all competitions.
“I think, for me, it’s to remain the professional I am. I’ve reached a point in my career where I understand that football is seasonal. It has phases within one’s career. Right now, I’m in a different phase, and I know that not playing has its toll on a player. Like I said, I need to stay professional and ready. I must stay professional and do my job when called upon. When the opportunity comes, Given should be ready.”
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