Chiefs’ setbacks threaten Top 8 finish, Nedbank Cup hopes

KAIZER Chiefs are approaching a decisive stage in their season, but a growing injury list—especially in defence — is threatening to derail their push for a top-eight finish and their bid to finally lift a trophy after a ten-year drought.

- COMMENT BY SMISO MSOMI

The most recent setback came with the absence of Given Msimango from the matchday squad against Chippa United. Msimango, who had stepped up following Rushwin Dortley’s sea-son-ending knee surgery, is now sidelined himself.

Head coach Nasreddine Nabi confirmed that Msimango has been managing an injury for the past two to three months, and the decision to rest him was precautionary, still, the timing is far from ideal.

Msimango joins vice-captain Inacio Miguel on the injury list, after Miguel was forced off during the TS Galaxy fixture two weeks ago. With both unavailable, Nabi has had to rely on Zitha Kwinika and Edmil-son Dove as his centre-back pairing — an arrangement that worked against Chippa United, but may be tested in the coming high-stakes fixtures.

Chiefs face a tough run-in, starting with Marumo Gallants at the weekend before back-to-back Soweto derbies against Orlando Pirates.

The first, a league encounter on May 3, is key to solidifying their top-eight position.

A week later, the two sides meet again in the Nedbank Cup final — Chiefs’ last chance to end a decade-long trophy

drought.