Kaizer Chiefs Grapple with Defensive Injuries in Pre-Season Training Camp in Turkey as Dominic Isaacs Urges Caution

As the new football season approaches, Kaizer Chiefs are facing a tough pre-season, with several defensive injuries casting a shadow over their preparations.

Dominic Isaacs, a former Chiefs defender, has stepped in with some insightful advice to address these backline issues.

The excitement of welcoming Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi to the team has been somewhat dampened by a string of defensive injuries during the Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Turkey.

Nabi, who came with a full coaching team, including assistants Khalil Ben Youssef and Fernando Da Cruz, goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi, and strength and conditioning coach Safi Majdi, hoped to build a solid foundation for the team.

However, the injury crisis has put a damper on their plans.

Last week, Chiefs lost versatile defender Edmilson Dove, who could play both centre-back and left-back, to an injury.

Dove has returned to South Africa for further assessment.

Additionally, new signing Bongani Sam, also a left-back, picked up an injury in Turkey and has returned home as well.

Fortunately, Chiefs still have Happy Mashiane, who can cover at left-back following Sifiso Hlanti’s departure, and Reeve Frosler, who can also play in that position.

With Njabulo Ngcobo leaving the team, the PSL giants are now relying on Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Zitha Kwinika, and Given Msimango to anchor their defense.

The addition of 22-year-old Rushwin Dortley, who can play both centre-back and left-back, adds some much-needed depth.

On the right side, Dillion Solomons is out for nine weeks with a shoulder injury, leaving Kwinika and Frosler as the primary options, with Kwinika having been favored in that position last season.

Academy graduate Aden McCarthy, a versatile 20-year-old who can play centre-back and left-back, might be another option.

However, his lack of senior experience could be a concern.

Isaacs’ Advice

Retired defender Dominic Isaacs has weighed in on how Chiefs should handle their defensive injury crisis.

He advises caution and suggests that the team should not rush into signing new defenders without thoroughly assessing the injuries.

“Firstly, they need to evaluate the seriousness of the injuries,” Isaacs told FARPost.

“Pre-season is the time to build fitness and avoid injuries for the rest of the season.

There are always capable players who can step up.”

Isaacs believes that the management and coaching staff, with their extensive experience, should avoid making hasty decisions. “They need to be careful not to overreact and sign too many defenders impulsively.

It’s crucial to have utility players who can fill multiple roles in defense.”

The message is clear: while the injury list is concerning, careful planning and measured decisions will be key to navigating this pre-season challenge.

 

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

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