Kaizer Chiefs: Huge injury blow, new man suspended, De Sa throws shade
Today’s news wrap.
Kaizer Chiefs are underdogs for the Soweto Derby and that issue is further complicated by some personnel issues.
No Soweto Derby delight for Duba
20-year-old Wandile Duba would have loved to decorate this grand occasion but the youngster will spend several weeks on the sidelines after an injury against Free Agents. Opportunity knocks for the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi or new boy Glody Lilepo to start on the right side of the attack. New midfield man Thabo Cele is also a candidate to start in the engine room but the 28-year-old schemer lacks match sharpness.
Likely starting XI for Kaizer Chiefs
Why Appollis to Kaizer Chiefs fell through
In the English Premier League, clubs must often pay over the odds to sign English players. That’s just how the market works. Similarly, top PSL sides are reluctant to sell their best operators to rivals unless they’re handsomely compensated. Oswin Appollis is a rare type of player in South Africa, with a low centre of gravity and the ability to go both ways when confronted by a marker near the touchline. His rare combination of traits makes him a highly coveted footballer.
Stellenbosch sold Iqraam Rayners to Sundowns for an undisclosed fee although his estimated transfer value now stands at R35 million (evidence of the power Sundowns have over the market). Why would Polokwane settle for anything less than that figure, given Appollis’ age and huge potential to improve?
Roger De Sa comments on new Kaizer Chiefs star Morris
Former Ajax coach Roger De Sa knows a thing or two about Chiefs’ new striker Tashreeq Morris. The pair worked together in the Mother City. The Mozambique-born boss, now head coach of the Qatar National team, has wanted Chiefs fans not to expect miracles from their new 30-year-old marksman.
A new experience for the Chiefs back four
Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirino have all embedded themselves into the Chiefs setup but none have stepped out into the cauldron of a Soweto Derby before. Brand new signings Glody Lilepo and Thabo Cele will hope to also stamp their mark on the fixture. New 30-year-old striker Tashreeq Morris, however, must wait a little longer as he’s suspended for this clash. Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi will hope for a cohesive performance from his backline, against a Pirates attack bristling with quality.
Will Kaizer Chiefs overcome the odds to win Saturday’s Soweto Derby?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.