Chiefs coach reveals why Mayo, Maboe and Ighodaro will still miss CAF games

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has confirmed that a number of their new signings will still not be involved in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chiefs made it into the second preliminary round of the competition following a post-match penalty win over Angolan side Kabuscorp on Saturday after both teams played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

That sees the Glamour Boys keep alive their continental aspirations but they will need to negotiate another two-legged playoff to make it to the group stages of the competition, having returned to the stage since 2021, when they reached the CAF Champions League final.

However, they will have to do it without new signings Khanyisa Mayo, Etiosa Ighodaro and Lebohang Maboe whose registration did not take place in time for the preliminary round of matches.

Why are new signings still missing?

“Ighodaro is injured, but the medical department promised us [his imminent return] he started this week to train with the group without contact,” Kaze said as per iDiski Times. “We hope after the international break he will be ready to go.”

“If I’m not mistaken, Mayo won’t be able to play until the group stage, Ighodaro until the group stage, Maboe as well – but we have other players available, and will help the team,” said Kaze, conforming the trio’s absence for the Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

“The likes of Mako, Monyane, who were injured. Ndlovu as well – Ethan will be available for selection [in the next round].”

Chiefs will wait to know who they will face in the next round with the matches set to take place in mid-October and if they sail through, they will play the tough group stage round when they will have all their players available.