Kaizer Chiefs Set to Face Chippa Without Several Key Players

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is gearing up for the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash with Chippa United, but he’ll have to do so without several key players due to injuries and suspensions.

The team is struggling with absences as they look to advance in the tournament.

Key Players Missing for Chiefs

Among the notable absentees is team captain Yusuf Maart, who is serving a suspension.

Nabi confirmed this during a press conference in Sandton, sharing that the squad is also missing a number of long and medium-term injured players.

“Unfortunately, our captain Maart is suspended,” Nabi said.

“Ox [Sibongiseni Mthethwa] is still injured and won’t be available for the match.”

He also mentioned George Matlou, who has been training but isn’t guaranteed to feature.

Meanwhile, Dillan Solomons and Edmilson Dove are both lacking match fitness and will need extra time to get up to speed with friendly games.

“Solomons and Dove need time to play friendly matches and get themselves fit,” Nabi explained.

Additionally, Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez are out indefinitely due to injuries.

Chiefs’ Injury List

Yusuf Maart (suspended)
Sibongiseni Mthethwa (injured)
Wandile Duba (injured)
Ashley Du Preez (injured)
Edmilson Dove (lack of match fitness)
Dillan Solomons (lack of match fitness)

Predicted Lineup Against Chippa

Despite these absences, Chiefs are preparing for the match with a strong lineup. Here’s the predicted starting XI:

Bvuma (GK)
Frosler, Miguel, Dortley, Ditlhokwe
Cele, Blom
Lilepo, Shabalala, Sirino
Morris

Captain Miguel: The ‘Sheriff’ of the Chiefs Defense

In the absence of Maart, center-back Inacio Miguel will step up as captain for the upcoming match.

Thabo Cele, a new recruit in the Chiefs midfield, shared a post on Instagram celebrating Miguel’s leadership, calling him “Xerife” (Portuguese for sheriff).

Miguel, originally from Angola, has been a solid presence in defense and has captained the team in the past during Maart’s suspension.

“Xerife” Miguel will once again wear the captain’s armband for Chiefs, guiding the team against Chippa this weekend.

Nedbank Cup: Chiefs’ Last Shot at Silverware?

With Chiefs 17 points behind the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, and with only 13 games left in the season, the Nedbank Cup presents one of their final opportunities to secure silverware this season. Realistically, Chiefs are targeting a top-eight finish to qualify for next year’s MTN8 competition.

The ongoing dominance of Sundowns, who have won the league for seven consecutive years, has left Chiefs with little hope of claiming the league title.

Although Orlando Pirates had offered some competition this season, Sundowns’ recent 4-1 victory over the Buccaneers has quelled any hope of a title challenge for now.

The loss of key Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane due to injury further weakens their chances.

Can Chiefs Power Through to the Quarter-finals?

With a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs, the big question is whether Chiefs can overcome their absentees and power their way to the next round of the Nedbank Cup.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

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

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