Kaizer Chiefs have some key decisions to make ahead of their upcoming Nedbank Cup Round of 16 match against Chippa United.

There are a few concerns regarding player availability and form, which could affect their lineup for the game.

Maart to Miss the Match Due to Suspension

One of the main issues for Chiefs is the suspension of their midfield maestro, Yusuf Maart.

The talented playmaker will be absent for the match after picking up four yellow cards this season.

As a result, Chiefs will have to adjust their midfield options.

Njabulo Blom, who was a substitute in their recent 1-0 win over Stellenbosch, might be called into the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, new signing Thabo Cele is expected to keep his place in the team.

In Maart’s absence, central defender Inacio Miguel is likely to take over as captain for the match.

Key Players Likely to Start

There’s little doubt that playmaker Mduduzi Shabalala will feature from the start in the upcoming clash.

He came off the bench in the win over Stellies, but given his impact and skill, it’s almost certain he’ll be included in the first XI.

Chiefs will need his creativity in the midfield as they look to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Upcoming Fixtures for Chiefs

The upcoming clash with Chippa United is scheduled for Saturday, 15th February at 18:00, and Chiefs will be eager to build on their dominant 4-0 victory over Free Agents FC in the previous round.

After the Nedbank Cup fixture, they will turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they face a challenging matchup against SuperSport United on Tuesday, 18th February at 19:30.

SuperSport is led by Gavin Hunt, who was once Chiefs’ head coach, so it’s bound to be an emotional encounter.

Mdantsane’s Struggles at Chiefs

Mduduzi Mdantsane’s time at Kaizer Chiefs has been far from ideal.

Once valued at R22.8 million in February 2023, his market value has dramatically dropped to R11.4 million this year.

Injuries have severely hampered his time at Naturena, including a car accident that derailed his career.

Even when fit, his performances have not met the expectations of the club.

Despite costing Chiefs around R13 million, it’s unclear if they’ll be able to recoup any of that investment, especially after his loan spell with Richards Bay.

While he’s certainly shown flashes of brilliance, his overall impact has been disappointing.

Looking Ahead: Can Chiefs Make It to the Quarter-Finals?

As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their critical cup match, the question remains: can they secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup? Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the team can overcome these challenges and push forward in the competition.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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