Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has explained the absence of three key players from his squad in recent matches – Ashley Du Preez, Sifiso Hlanti, and Brandon Petersen.
The trio were notable absentees from the team that played AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. Chiefs were booted out of the Carling Knockout Cup thanks to a late 85th-minute goal.
Khune started in goals with Petersen absent, while left-back Edmilson Dove had to be replaced by Zitha Kwinika. Ashley Du Preez was also missing upfront.
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“I think in the last game we played against Cape Town City, Hlanti was injured before that game,” said Ntseki.
“He was going through the return to training in terms of the preparations going into that game.
“George [Matlou] and Brandon [Petersen] got injured a day before we played Cape Town City. So, George recovered in time for him to be available for selection. But as for Petersen, he is still going through a return to go to training.”
Petersen also missed the last two matches due to an injury. Molefi Ntseki said that the goalkeeper is also getting closer to returning to full training.
“So, those are the injuries sustained leading to this game. But we have quality players in the team.”
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Ntseki also said that the absence of these three players has given other players in the squad an opportunity to step up.
“We have to regroup and come up with a plan in terms of giving other players a chance,” he added.
“We saw Ranga [Chivaviro] starting today, and we saw Efmamjjasond Gonzalez coming in. So, the club has got players that were brought to help whenever they are in situations like that one of injuries.”
Kaizer Chiefs are in eighth place in the DStv Premiership table, 13 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. They will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Golden Arrows. The game will be played at Mpumalanga Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:30.