Kaizer Motaung Jr Gives Update on Kaizer Chiefs Star Fitness After Months on the Sidelines

• Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr addressed Thulani Mabaso's fitness progress after the midfielder featured in a reserve derby
• Mabaso has been sidelined for several months after a lengthy injury disrupted his 2025/26 season with the Glamour Boys
• The left-footed midfielder played in the DStv Diski Challenge clash against Orlando Pirates as he works to rebuild match fitness

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has confirmed that midfielder Thulani Mabaso is edging closer to a senior return after featuring in the club's 2026/27 DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) opener.

Motaung Jr made the remarks through the club's official media channels following the reserve side's 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Sunday.

**Mabaso Steps Up Rehabilitation in Reserve Derby**

The left-footed central midfielder, who was promoted to the senior setup last season after contributing to Kaizer Chiefs' 2024/25 DDC title-winning campaign, had his 2025/26 campaign cut short by injury. Before the setback, he managed seven appearances across all competitions under former co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

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With several months on the sidelines behind him, Mabaso was handed game time in the reserve derby to help rebuild his match sharpness. According to Motaung Jr, the outing against the Buccaneers represented a significant step in his recovery.

**Motaung Jr Points to First-Team Readiness**

"It was truly a gallant effort by the boys in their opening fixture," Motaung Jr said. "We were also happy to see senior team midfielder Thulani Mabaso play his first competitive match since picking up an injury a few months ago. His return means he is getting closer to match readiness for the first team."

The sporting director's comments indicate that Mabaso's participation in the reserve setup is intended as a stepping stone rather than a permanent reassignment, with the club managing his reintegration carefully ahead of a potential return to the first-team matchday squad.

The DDC victory over arch-rivals Pirates provided an encouraging backdrop to Mabaso's comeback, with Motaung Jr praising the performance of the reserve side as a collective effort.

Source: Briefly News