Kaizer Chiefs face tough week as injuries challenge Fernando Da Cruz ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs fans were left stunned after Lamontville Golden Arrows knocked them out of the MTN8 final at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. They now face a tough start to the season. Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruzwill have one eye on the fitness of Flavio Da Silva and Ethan Chislett as the Glamour Boys prepare for a demanding week that culminates in a clash againstMamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs’ 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadiumon Saturday has left Da Cruz with little time to dwell on their early cup exit, with three matches scheduled across six days. Da Silva and Chislett were notable absentees against Arrows, while new signing Langelihle Phili made his Chiefs debut as a second-half substitute. Da Silva was particularly missed after scoring in Chiefs’ 3-1 Betway Premiership victory over Kruger United the previous weekend, but Da Cruz revealed the striker had picked up an injury in training.

“First thing, Silva got hurt yesterday at training, so we were left minus one,” Da Cruz said through his translator. “We have three games in six days, so we prefer to be careful with him. The same thing for Chislett also.”