Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Phili latest, Miguel demoted? And more

Published on by

Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Phili latest, Miguel demoted? And more

The latest Kaizer Chiefs news in the last 24 hours including update on injured Langelihle Phili, Fernando Da Cruz hints Inacio Miguel might be dropped, and more.

Chiefs news as they break

Massive news on Phili

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has given an update on Langelihle Phili’s recovery, admitting that he’s likely going to be ready for the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.

The 21-year-old who joined Amakhosi at the start of the season, suffered an ankle injury in August and has been sidelined since. Phili has played three matches across all competitions and scored one goal before his injury curtailed his progress at the club.

“Phili will start this week with the squad on the field, the football sessions. He’s close to start to play competitions, maybe he will be ready for the semi-final, we don’t know,” Da Cruz told the media.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“But we’ll work a lot with him during this FIFA break,” he added.

Amakhosi booked a last four berth where they will take on Mamelodi Sundowns while the other semifinal will be battled between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch.

Miguel demoted?

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has admitted that the centre-back pairing of Rushwin Dortley and Thabo Moloisane is a good one and offers him more options at the back.

The two started in Chiefs’ spine in the Carling Knockout Cup win over Siwelele at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Inacio Miguel who played alongside Moloisane in the Betway Soweto derby out suspended.

Amakhosi came from behind to win the quarter-final clash 2-1 over the Free State-based outfit and book a semi-final clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, their first appearance in the competition’s last four stage since 2024.

The league cup game was Dortley’s second start this season after recovering from a long-term injury. Da Cruz said Dortley gives the side other dynamics outside of just defending.  

“For sure these two centre-backs is an option for us, and it will be an option in the future, but I prefer to have a congruency it’s better,” said Da Cruz.

Inacio Miguel, Kaizer Chiefs
Inacio Miguel. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

“When we play with fresh, we have a left footer so it’s also good for us. Rushwin is good with his head, so he helps us. But for me as a coach I prefer to have many options than not have options.

“So, for the moment Miguel is suspended and when he comes back, we’ll have many options in our defence.”  

Lepasa analysed after outing vs Chiefs

Siwelele FC coach Godfrey Mosoetsa has given his honest assessment of Zakhele Lepasa following his appearance against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup on Sunday night.

Lepasa had been sidelined since the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign due to injury setbacks before making his long-awaited first appearance for Siwelele on October 30. He came off the bench during their 3-2 league defeat against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng.

Against Chiefs, the experienced frontman was introduced in the 76th minute to replace Sphesihle Jeza, clocking approximately 18 minutes of action, including stoppage time, as Siwelele searched for an equaliser. He squandered a glorious late chance to equalise following a Chiefs defensive blunder, fluffing his effort with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Speaking to the media in Polokwane after the final whistle, Mosoetsa asked for patience regarding the former Orlando Pirates forward, emphasising that the technical team is gradually easing him into match fitness.

“You know, with Lepasa, he hasn’t played much. He only started playing last week when we played against Marumo Gallants, where he played for only six minutes. Today [Sunday], it was something like 25 minutes. So, gradually, we are integrating him into the setup,” Mosoetsa said.

A picture of Zakhele Lepasa
Image – Mahindra SA

“It’s not easy when you haven’t played for quite some time, and you come to play against a team that’s already played so many games, with some of their players having played about nine or 10 games, and this is his second game.

“So, he will struggle a little bit. But we know what he’s capable of. Hopefully, with time, we will get to see the Lepasa that we all know, and then it will work in our favour in the future.”

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like