Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has provided an update on the club’s injury situation ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup clash against Red Arrows.
Amakhosi host the Zambian side in the second leg of the second preliminary round on Friday, hoping to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat in Ndola and secure their place in the next round.
Chiefs were without several key players for the first leg, including Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Langelihle Phili and Brandon Petersen.
However, Da Cruz has not confirmed which of the injured players could return for the decisive encounter in Durban, although he expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in their recovery.
Phili and Khanyisa Mayo, who are both dealing with long-term injuries, are expected to miss Friday’s match.
Kaizer Chiefs could have players back for CAF match
Speaking about the club’s injury situation, Da Cruz highlighted the reduction in muscular injuries compared to previous seasons, while explaining that several of the current setbacks have resulted from contact incidents.
“It’s a good thing to speak about the injured players because since the beginning of the season we decreased the number of muscular injuries,” said Da Cruz.
“If we compare with other seasons we had only three muscular injuries during this season. The other injuries are contact injuries – very unlucky, if you see for example [Paseka] Mako in pre-season when he broke his arm.
“So we are on a good way for injured players, the players that will come back, not now but step by step, they are going to come back from injuries.”
While the Chiefs coach did not provide a definitive timeline for the return of the remaining injured players, his comments suggest that the club is making progress in managing its injury list ahead of their anticipated CAF Confed Cup clash.
Amakhosi will need to deliver a strong performance against Red Arrows, having put themselves under pressure with the first-leg defeat.
Da Cruz’s side must win by at least two clear goals to progress to the next round without needing a penalty shootout. Anything less could see Chiefs’ continental campaign come to an early end.
The CAF Confederation Cup match between Chiefs and Red Arrows will be live on SABC 3 from 17:30.