Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a major blow ahead of their much-anticipated DStv Premiership clash against Moroka Swallows FC, with four key players ruled out due to injury.
Amakhosi, still reeling from recent off-field controversies involving allegations of alcohol abuse and racism, will take on Swallows FC in the Soweto Derby this afternoon at Dobsonville Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM.
Keegan Dolly, Itumeleng Khune, Ashley Du Preez, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe will all be unavailable for the game, leaving interim head coach Cavin Johnson with a number of selection headaches.
However, Johnson remains focused on the task at hand despite the scandals in the Amakhosi camp and urged his players to channel their energy into producing a positive performance on the day.
DESPITE INJURED, JOHNSON REMAINS POSITIVEÂ
“We have Keegan Dolly, Itumeleng Khune, Ashley Du Preez and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe all out with injuries,” said Johnson.
“I am not the coach who says that I want that type of player when I have 29 other players. The players that have been training their utmost this week will be the players who will go out. I just hope that my other players recover as soon as possible to give us a headache in terms of selection.Â
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Chiefs coach Ntseki takes positives from Sundowns defeat
“There are good signs; Ashley is out on the pitch and running a little bit. According to the medical report that I have, he will return at the end of December.”
In addition, Johnson also shared his thoughts on Swallows, insisting that their Soweto rivals are improving.
“You have to view Swallows with respect. They are not sitting third on the log for no reason,” he added.
“They are improving. You have to give credit to their technical team, led by Steve Komphela. We respect them in that we do have a game plan for them, just like they have a game plan for us.
“We are going to Dobsonville hoping we have the majority of the crowd supporting us, and we can execute our game plan and use it on Moroka Swallows to come up with the points.”