Are Kaizer Chiefs in crisis? As key players are missing for their next game.
Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi faces a major selection headache as his squad prepares for the upcoming Betway Premiership showdown against Magesi FC. With at least six important players ruled out, Chiefs must navigate this challenge without some of their top talents.
Chiefs struggle with injuries and suspensions
Amakhosi will host Magesi FC at FNB Stadium at 19h30 on Tuesday, just days after their hard-fought clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Chiefs suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to the reigning champions at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Now, they must regroup without several starters.
Magesi FC, newly promoted to the top flight, have found their rhythm under Owen Da Gama. Since taking over from Clinton Larsen, Da Gama has guided the team off the bottom of the table, lifting them to 15th place, thanks in part to Royal AM’s inactivity. In 11 matches, Magesi have recorded three wins, two draws, and six defeats. With momentum on their side, they will look to stun the Soweto giants.
Key players missing for Chiefs
Midfielder Thabo Cele, one of the standout performers against Sundowns, received his fourth yellow card and will now serve a suspension alongside Gaston Sirino. Adding to the crisis, both Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Wandile Duba are sidelined with injuries, ruling them out of the crucial encounter.
Another major blow comes in the form of new signing Tashreeq Morris. The former SuperSport United forward had to be stretchered off in the 26th minute against Sundowns, forcing an early substitution. Ashley du Preez replaced him, but Chiefs felt the absence of Morris’s pressing ability and attacking presence.
“He’s out maybe six, seven days,” Nabi confirmed in his post-match interview. “It hurts us a lot because he’s a striker that can give you a lot of things. He’s a good presser and doesn’t give defenders much time on the ball. When he came off, their center-backs looked much more comfortable.”
Rushwin Dortley remains doubtful for the Magesi fixture due to injury concerns, and Nabi may opt to rest him as a precaution. Meanwhile, Miguel Inacio finds himself in a risky position with three yellow cards. If he receives another booking, he will miss the crucial Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
Can they overcome the odds?
With a depleted squad, Chiefs face a tough test against a resurgent Magesi side. Nabi must make tactical adjustments to keep Amakhosi’s momentum alive as they fight to stay competitive in the Betway Premiership. Will the Soweto giants rise above adversity, or will Magesi FC take advantage of their weakened lineup?
Stay tuned with The South African as we ask, are Kaizer Chiefs in crisis? As key players are missing for their next game.
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