This Sunday afternoon, Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi might just keep everyone guessing with a surprise starter against Young Africans.
The big match will see Amakhosi face off against Tanzania’s giants, Yanga, in the inaugural Toyota Cup at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The game kicks off at 3 PM.
It’s an exciting moment for Chiefs fans, as this will be their first chance to see the team under the guidance of Nabi, who took over the reins earlier this month.
Nabi is facing a tricky situation with the left-back position.
The team parted ways with veteran fullback Sifiso Hlanti in June, and although they signed Bongani Sam from Orlando Pirates, he’s out with an injury. Sam had to cut short his preseason tour in Turkey due to this setback.
Additionally, Edmilson Dove, who could also play in that role, is sidelined with a serious Achilles injury. To add to the challenge, Happy Mashiane has a family commitment and won’t be available for the match.
Despite these challenges, Nabi hinted at a potential surprise starter for the left-back position. During the final training session at the match venue on Saturday, players wore red vests, and there was an unexpected face among them.
This suggests that Nabi might be considering an unusual choice for the game.
Who Might Start?
Nabi mentioned that most players are in good shape, although Dove and Sam are dealing with injuries.
He also indicated that goalkeeper Rushwin Dortley and defender from Cape Town might not feature in this game as they need more time for assessment. Nabi hinted that a “new player” could step into the left-back spot.
Among the players wearing red vests during training was Nkosana Mbuthu, the 19-year-old son of Chiefs legend Patrick Mbuthu.
Typically an attacking midfielder, Mbuthu also plays on the wing and could be an unconventional choice for left-back.
The only other defenders in red vests were Given Msimango, Reeve Frosler, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, with Frosler at right-back and Ditlhokwe and Msimango likely starting in central defense.
Mbuthu, who honed his skills at Grey College in Bloemfontein and joined the senior team in Turkey for preseason, is seen as a promising academy graduate.
This game might be his opportunity to make a mark.
