Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive crisis deepens with Zamalek meeting imminent

Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef is worried about his team’s defensive situation which has left him with limited options at centre-back.

‎Chiefs have a crucial game against Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday which they cannot afford to lose if they want to make it to the quarter-final.

‎The Glamour Boys top their group with 10 points, two more than this weekend’s opponents Zamalek, and three ahead of Al Masry who they beat 2-1 in Polokwane on Sunday.

Given Msimango Kaizer Chiefs — Image – Given Msimango

‎Limited defensive options

They therefore need at least a point to be sure of a place in the last eight unless Al Masry fail to win which would leave them second in the group were they to lose in Egypt.

‎However, they only have one fully fit central defender available in Zitha Kwinika while Given Msimango, who played 90 minutes on Sunday, is also an option but he is just returning from a long-term injury.

‎That has left Ben Youssef worried that they risk stretching Msimango who needs to be eased slowly back into the team by handing him less minutes.

Kaizer Chiefs players celebrate a goal against Al Masry. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

‎“Given has just come back after six months out of competition, so we are taking a big risk to play him for 90 minutes,” Ben Youssef said as per KickOff.

Who will Chiefs rely on?

‎“Now he has played a full match and he must play another 90 minutes in the next game. We are taking a big risk because we don’t have centre-backs. We don’t have any other solution.”

Zitha Kwinika Kaizer Chiefs — Image – Chiefs

Chiefs’ defensive woes intensified at the weekend when Aden McCarthy was cautioned on Sunday, meaning he is suspended for the trip to Zamalek, while Miguel Inacio is injured.

Meanwhile, Brandley Cross, who can also play at centre-back, is just coming back from an injury and will not fit to play such a physically demanding game.

“Before three days, we lost Inacio Miguel, he get injury — maybe because of playing so many games,” he added. “Today Aden McCarthy received a yellow card. So for the game in Egypt, which we must play to qualify, we only have Zitha as a centre-back. It’s not an excuse, but it’s the reality.”