Things are not looking good for Kaizer Chiefs FC ahead of their clash today when they meet Chippa United.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has confirmed that Keagan Dolly will be still be sidelined for their 2023/24 season opener against Chippa United.
Amakhosi wil miss Pule Mmodi, who is on compassionate leave after the sad passing of his mother this week.
But Ntseki revealed that apart from Mmodi he nearly has a full-strength squad for the opener against the Chilli Boys, with only Dolly still sidelines.
“We are thankful that we managed to go through our pre-season without major injuries,” he said, as per the club’s website.
“And those who got injured last year, we had time to work on them from a medical point of view. We are happy to see all of them being available, except for Keagan Dolly, who is still nursing an ACL injury.
“When it comes to the last preparation stage ahead of starting the season, the whole team – players and technical team – we are focused, we are ready. This is the right time for us to implement what we have been working on.”
Ntseki also highlighted the importance of starting the campaign with a win to build confidence for the next games.
“The first game is very important. As much as we may not be 100 percent, the first foot you put forward is important and the rest will follow,” he added.
“Putting in a good performance and getting a good result will be very important in helping us in building our confidence and having the right mentality going into the next four matches, including the cup games.”
Chiefs host Chippa at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 15:00 on Sunday, which will be Ntseki’s first official game as head coach of the Glamour Boys.
In case you missed it, new Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edson Castillo has sent a message to Amakhosi fans, saying he wants to “win many trophies” with the club.
Castillo, 29, became the third Venezuelan player to move to Naturena, following in the footsteps of Jose Torrealba and Leandro Perez.
He is one of seven new signings which the club has unveiled so far and many expect him to add more stability and strength to the club’s defensive midfield.
Castillo joined his new teammates in camp in Mpumalanga, before they will head off on their African pre-season tour that will see them face Young Africans SC in Dar es Salaam at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 22 July and Township Rollers at Botswana’s National Stadium on 29 July.
“I’m very excited to start this new chapter in my football career with a club like Kaizer Chiefs,” he stated in a message on Instagram.
“I want to thank them for the welcome they have given me from the first moment I arrived in this great city.
“I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me in this process including the club’s board, coaching staff and my representatives, Andrande Sports Group.
“I will give my all to achieve the goals we have set ourselves as a club and of course win many titles for this great club. Amakhosi for life!”
Castillo and his new teammates will have a first chance to impress when Chiefs kick off their 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign with a home clash against fixture against Chippa United at FNB Stadium.
