Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa: Kaizer Chiefs Star Suffers Injury Blow Ahead of PSL Return

• Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major blow ahead of the Premier Soccer League's second half of the season
• The Soweto giants are heading into the crucial part of the 2025-26 campaign with one of their key players out injured
• Reports confirmed the extent of the injury the Kaizer Chiefs star suffered and when he's expected to return to action

Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their Premier Soccer League return as one of the key players has been hit with an injury.

The Soweto giants started the season on a good note under Nasreddine Nabi, but the Tunisian tactician parted ways with the club a few games into the season and was duly replaced by two of his assistant coaches.

The Glamour Boys are still in contention to win the Betway Premiership this season as they are four points behind their city rivals, Orlando Pirates, who are currently top of the league standings.

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Mthethwa suffers an injury blow

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa is expected to spend time out of action after picking up another injury setback.

The former South African international arrived at Naturena in September 2023 from Stellenbosch FC on a three-year deal that is due to expire at the end of June, which means this injury setback might affect the 31-year-old's push for a new contract with the club.

The KwaZulu-Natal native has made 11 Betway Premiership appearances for Amakhosi in this ongoing campaign and has stood out as one of the more reliable performers under the guidance of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

Sources confirm the extent of Mthethwa's injury

According to sources, Mthethwa sustained a fresh injury and is not likely to be considered for selection again until March.

Reports have it that the former Stellenbosch FC midfielder underwent knee surgery in December 2025, a period when Kaizer Chiefs were not in action due to the Africa Cup of Nations, which is why his absence may have gone largely unnoticed.

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The same report added that the defensive midfielder is currently not taking part in team training due to a long-standing injury. The situation is complicated by the timing, as his contract with the Soweto-based club is set to expire later this year.

With his deal nearing its end, the club would realistically only be able to offer a short-term extension, if any, particularly if he fails to return to the pitch. Should that happen, the surgery would remain the defining factor in his absence.

According to another report, the player is scheduled to begin his rehabilitation programme in February 2026, with a possible return to full match fitness anticipated around March 2026.

Chiefs star set to join PSL rivals

Briefly News earlier reported that a Kaizer Chiefs star is closing in on joining another Premier Soccer League club this January.

The South African international has had limited playing time this season, and a move away from the club in the second half of the campaign could be beneficial to him.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News