Kaizer Chiefs will be without eight of their top players when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in a South African league fixture at FNB Stadium on Saturday, leaving head coach Fernando da Cruz with limited depth for one of the season’s biggest encounters.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with the two leading names in South African football set to go head-to-head in front of the home support.
Chiefs have made a promising start to the campaign and have appeared solid across the main areas of the team. However, their squad strength is being tested by the continued absence of several important players.
Da Cruz confirmed the situation while speaking to the media at Naturena on Thursday. He said the same group of players expected to miss out would remain unavailable for the match against Sundowns, also known as the Brazilians.
The players are absent for different reasons. Some are recovering from injuries, while others have not yet reached the required level of match fitness to be considered for selection.
Only one of the eight could potentially be involved, although that decision will depend on late fitness checks. Da Cruz did not reveal which player remains doubtful or whether that individual will ultimately be included in the matchday squad.
“It will be the same players because the time is too short,” Da Cruz told the media.
“These players will be out of the squad, we also have one who we’re doubtful about,” he added.
The uncertainty means Kaizer Chiefs are likely to approach the fixture with the majority of their unavailable players still ruled out, despite the possibility that one could pass a final assessment before kick-off.
Saturday’s meeting carries particular significance because it brings together Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, two of the biggest clubs in South African football, in a league contest at FNB Stadium.
Chiefs’ early-season form has offered encouragement, but the number of absentees presents a clear challenge for Da Cruz as he prepares his side for the visit of Sundowns. The head coach’s comments suggest there will be little time for most of the sidelined players to recover or regain fitness before the match.
The fixture comes after Da Cruz was also involved in reuniting two youngsters at Kaizer Chiefs. Separately, Miguel has issued a warning to Sundowns, saying: “We are Kaizer Chiefs, we fear no one!”
The match will also be played against the backdrop of recent football news involving former figures from both clubs. A former Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns captain has retired from football, while a former Premier Soccer League superstar has found a new home in North Africa.
