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Chiefs hit by injuries ahead of final game, only 19 players available
While the game is technically a dead rubber, none of the teams would want to close the season with a loss, especially Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane during the Nedbank Cup semi final match against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on May 06. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has revealed that he has just 19 players available for selection ahead of their final DStv Premiership game of the season.
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The Naturena side meet Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 3pm, And Zwane will have to make do with what he has.
While the game is technically a dead rubber, none would want to close the season with a loss, especially Chiefs.
If Chiefs lose, they will fall to fifth on the standings while City will climb up above them. And Chiefs’ lack of results has already seen Zwane come under attack from fans.
He had to be escorted out of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg last weekend. This was after the 1-0 loss to SuperSport United.
He got an eye injury during the incident and Phakaaathi understands he may be given leave on Saturday and not be on the bench.
Zwane has however given an update on his team’s preparations for their season finale.
“We’ve done our final preparations at FNB Stadium with those who are ready and fit to play,” said Zwane as quoted on the club’s website.
“We lost three players to injury and sickness. That’s been part of our lives and the story of our season. But we can’t complain.
Chiefs want to end on a high
“We have about 19 players available for selection – not even 20 – but it’s okay,” added the Amakhosi mentor.
Chiefs have lost three games in a row and Zwane wants to curb the trend to set his team up for a fresh start next season.
“We are playing at home and we have to win the game. Coming from three games and not winning, obviously it’s going to be a tough one.
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“Mentally it’s a case of expecting players to rise to the occasion and expecting them to win this game playing at home, since it’s the last game of the season.
“We need to finish the season with a win and start building for next season. We will have to find a way and make sure we grind a result,” added Zwane.
