Kaizer Chiefs receive massive boost ahead of Red Arrows tie and Soweto Derby 

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has received a lift following the return to training of one of his dependable players.

Chiefs are set to play Zambian outfit Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup return leg match on Friday evening, a game they must win to advance to the group stages, given they trail 1-0 from the first leg.

The Glamour Boys have been boosted by the return of midfield linchpin Lebohang Maboe, who has missed their last two games due to injury.

Maboe’s return boosts Kaizer Chiefs

Maboe suffered a knee injury just before the September international break during his team’s league match against Golden Arrows and could not feature for Bafana Bafana despite having been selected.

The midfielder has also sat out games against Stellenbosch and the first leg against Red Arrows in Ndola last week but he is in line to make his return.

It is not certain if Maboe will be considered for selection on Friday but he is part of the squad in Durban and was involved in training with the rest of the team, giving fans hope that he could play a part in the must-win clash.

Da Cruz has experimented in midfield

Maboe has been vital for Chiefs since his signing in 2025, putting in impressive performances and winning multiple Man of the Match awards and had been one of the outstanding players this season before injury struck.

In his absence, Da Cruz has played Sibongiseni Mthethwa and full-back Reeve Frosler in midfield against Stellenbosch, a game they drew 1-1, as well as in the 1-0 loss to Red Arrows in the Confederation Cup.

If he does not feature on Friday, Maboe will be available for Chiefs’ Carling Knockout Round of 16 tie against TS Galaxy next Tuesday before the Soweto Derby on Saturday, October 31.