Kaizer Chiefs announce key absences for Betway Premiership fixture against Siwelele FC

The Glamour Boys returned to South Africa on Sunday following a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie against Simba AS in Lubumbashi. With the return leg scheduled for Saturday, 26 October, at Dobsonville Stadium, Chiefs now face the challenge of managing injuries while balancing continental commitments.

The club announced on Monday that George Matlou, Thabiso Monyane, Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Bontle Molefe, Given Msimango, Rushin Dortley, Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga will not feature against Siwelele.

"Injury Update: Matlou, Monyane, Chislett, Mako, Molefe, Msimango, Dortley, Maboe, Ighodaro, Shinga," the club confirmed on their official website.

While the list is significant, Chiefs provided a glimmer of optimism. Players such as Maboe, Ighodaro, and Shinga are edging closer to full match fitness, offering hope for upcoming fixtures.

"Despite these setbacks, there's a silver lining. The squad is seeing a wave of recoveries that could bolster the team in the coming games. Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga are edging closer to full match fitness, offering the coaching staff a welcome selection dilemma," the club added.

As Chiefs prepare for the Siwelele clash, co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef will need to adapt his line-up and tactics, managing both the immediate injury crisis and the squad's readiness for the decisive second leg against Simba AS.

The return of key players in the coming weeks could prove crucial as Amakhosi aim to compete on multiple fronts in the domestic league and continental competition.