Betway Premiership: Kaizer Chiefs Receive Defensive Boost Ahead of Mouthwatering Tie vs Siwelele FC
- Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed that three injured defenders have returned to training ahead of Sunday's Betway Premiership fixture
- Da Cruz warned that the returning players are not yet at full fitness and will be eased back into action gradually
- Two other defenders remain ruled out until after the September FIFA international break, leaving Chiefs' options still stretched
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Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely injury reprieve heading into Sunday's Betway Premiership home fixture against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium, with coach Fernando Da Cruz confirming that Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross and Kabelo Nkgwesa have all returned to training.
The news comes at a critical moment for Amakhosi, who were forced to use winger Pule Mmodi at left-back in recent weeks due to a shortage of recognised defenders. Chiefs dropped points last week when they were held to a draw by Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium, conceding twice through costly defensive errors.
**Returning Players Not Yet Fully Match-Ready**
Despite the welcome news, Da Cruz urged caution over the readiness of those returning, noting that Reeve Frosler has also rejoined the group but that all four are working their way back gradually.
"Mako, Cross, Kabelo [Nkgwesa] and Reeve Frosler — they are not 100% physically. So they are coming back step by step," Da Cruz said at the Chiefs training grounds.
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Forward Flavio Silva is also nearing a comeback, with Da Cruz indicating he expects Silva to be available within the next one or two weeks.
**Monyane and Phili Miss Out Until After FIFA Break**
While several players edge closer to full fitness, Da Cruz confirmed that Thabiso Monyane and Langelihle Phili will not feature before the September 21 to October 6 FIFA international break.
"Monyane will not be available before the FIFA window because he's injured for four weeks; Phili is the same thing — he's injured for eight weeks," the French coach said.
Both defenders will therefore sit out Sunday's encounter with Siwelele, leaving the squad still stretched in certain positions despite the partial recovery.
**Chiefs Eye Return to Winning Ways**
Amakhosi currently occupy third place on the Betway Premiership table with eight points from four matches. They sit two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns and five adrift of leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played an additional game.
The return of more defensive depth could prove significant as Chiefs look to close that gap and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
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Source: Briefly News
