Kaizer Chiefs Give Injury Update Ahead of Orlando Pirates Clash As Summer Signing Is Ruled Out

• Kaizer Chiefs have been hit with a major setback ahead of their mouthwatering Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates this weekend
• The Glamour Boys need a win to keep the title hopes alive, while the Sea Robbers also need all three points, as they are both league contenders
• The update released by the Soweto-based club sparked mixed reactions from their supporters on social media

Kaizer Chiefs have provided an injury update ahead of their Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

The match would be the first Soweto Derby of the season in the Betway Premiership, and both teams need a win as they are both contenders for the league title this campaign.

Importance of Kaizer Chiefs vs Pirates clash

The Glamour Boys head into the clash under mounting scrutiny for their coaching crew after suffering defeats in three of their previous four matches in all competitions.

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That disappointing stretch resulted in elimination from both the Nedbank Cup (after losing to Stellenbosch FC in the Round of 32) and the CAF Confederation Cup (after a defeat in their last group game against Zamalek), and also dented their ambitions in the domestic league campaign, with a defeat in their last match against the Stellies.

Pirates, on the other hand, lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league and also crashed out of the Nedbank Cup after losing to Casric Stars in the Round of 16.

Amakhosi trail their Soweto counterparts and table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns by eight points, making victory this weekend essential to keep their championship aspirations within reach.

Kaze provide injury update

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has provided the latest fitness report as his team prepares for the Soweto Derby this weekend.

Kaze confirmed that defender Inacio Miguel has resumed training but will undergo a late assessment to determine his availability. Sibongesini “Ox” Mthethwa is expected to be fit for selection, while summer signing Etiosa Ighodaro remains unavailable.

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Miguel has been sidelined since sustaining an injury during the Nedbank Cup encounter against Stellenbosch FC. He has completed two light sessions with the squad and will be evaluated to see if he can feature.

“Ox” has taken part in five consecutive training sessions and could be considered, although he has not yet reached full match fitness. Ighodaro has not rejoined the group and is ruled out.

Meanwhile, Thabo Cele has recovered and is back in contention, but George Matlou remains sidelined.

Here is what fans are saying on social media about Amakhosi's injury update ahead of the Sea Robbers clash this weekend.

Don Groovy said:

"Leave Miguel out of the derby, please. McCarthy is ready for the challenge."

Chopstix Choppa_Mat wrote:

"I think these co-coaches should have more players in the doctor's ward than in the dressing room cause when everyone is available, they tend to start crucial matches with players who have been sidelined for months. Players coming frm long term injury do not start a match, period."

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Chillie Pepper commented:

"Dortley might be missing for almost 2 seasons now. A liability."

2Smash MlebukaS shared:

"@KaizerChiefs Please leave them all OUT except OX Mthethwa if he's availe put him in. They would rather play Msimang than the unfit Miguel; you can't gamble with 3 points."

Lunga David added:

"We need Miguel; his partnership with Zitha has been good."

Pirates sweating over Bafana star's fitness

Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates are said to be sweating over the fitness of a South African international ahead of the Soweto Derby.

The Bafana Bafana star's agent has come out to explain what's wrong with the player as the Buccaneers prepare to face Amakhosi.

Source: Briefly News