Nasreddine Nabi has been out of action after undergoing surgery, allowing assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze to take the reins.
“In the Head Coach’s absence, assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will take charge of the team to face the Golden Arrows in this weekend’s Home of Legends Cup,” Kaizer Chiefs official website confirmed.
Academy players given a chance
Kaizer Chiefs have no shortage of young talent – Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala – which is both a blessing and curse; perfect for injecting energy into the game, but the lack of experience tends to show in tail-end of games.
DDC Young Stars Xolani Cossa and Ofentse Kgosana have been seen training with the first team during Nabi’s absence – in fact, both featured (but did not play) on the Chiefs bench for their opening game of the season against Golden Arrows.
Transfer targets
The Glamour Boys have remained vocal in the transfer market, following seven signings during the offseason.
PSL veteran Bongani Zungu is one of Kaizer Chiefs top targets as they look to replace the injured Edson Castillo.
“It’s true there has been interest in Bongani Zungu by Kaizer Chiefs, but there be a lot that has to change at Chiefs for them to then actually sign Zungu,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
“They are first looking at loaning out some players in that position like Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa or Samkelo Zwane and then if something happens in that respect, then the club will be able to sign Zungu.
“So, at the moment, it all depends on if Kaizer Chiefs can create space that can accommodate the signing of a new midfielder like Zungu. So, as much as they are interested in Zungu because of his experience, they are looking at how that could happen if they are to go ahead with signing Zungu.”