Did Chiefs drop Ndlovu to dodge Soweto Derby suspension? Kaze responds

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has refuted suggestions that midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu was deliberately left out of the squad against Polokwane City to protect him for the upcoming Soweto derby against his former side Orlando Pirates.

The decision came as Chiefs were held to a goalless draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, a result that halted their impressive five-match winning streak—their best run of form since the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp.

Ndlovu, who has been instrumental in Amakhosi’s recent success, is currently on three yellow cards, leaving him just one booking away from a suspension. This led to speculation that he was being saved for the crucial clash with Pirates.

Kaze denies deliberate omission of Ndlovu

However, Kaze insisted that the choice to omit Ndlovu from the matchday squad was purely tactical and unrelated to the derby at FNB Stadium next Sunday.

Thabo Cele was brought into the starting lineup to partner Lebohang Maboe in midfield, marking his first league start since a 4-1 victory over Orbit College last November.

“It was just a tactical decision to leave Ndlovu out of the match-day team,” Kaze explained as per the Sowetan. “We believed that in this game, based on how Polokwane play, Cele was better suited.”

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder set for Soweto Derby

Ndlovu, who made 67 appearances for Orlando Pirates between 2019 and 2023, has scored twice in 23 games for Chiefs since his arrival at the beginning of the season.

As the derby approaches, Amakhosi will be desperate to end their poor run against their rivals, having lost the last five consecutive league encounters, among them a 3-0 humbling last time out in February.

A victory would not only provide bragging rights but also help solidify their third-place position on the league table. This five-game winning streak is Pirates’ best-ever run of league victories in the history of the Soweto derby.