Kaizer Chiefs suffer defensive setback ahead of must-win Richards Bay clash

Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive woes have deepened with the news that stand-in captain Zitha Kwinika will be suspended for their upcoming Premier Soccer League match against Richards Bay on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old defender received his fourth yellow card of the season during the club’s heavy 3-0 loss to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, triggering an automatic one-match ban. Kwinika was the only Chiefs player to be booked in the humbling Soweto Derby defeat.

The loss to Pirates marked Amakhosi’s second consecutive defeat in just five days, causing them to slide to fifth on the league table with 30 points from 17 games. However, a victory on Tuesday could see them climb back into third place after Sekhukhune United’s 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Durban City have now overtaken Chiefs for the fourth spot following their narrow 1-0 away win against Marumo Gallants on Sunday.

Defensive concerns for Kaizer Chiefs

Amakhosi will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to take on Richards Bay at uMhlathuze Stadium, hoping to reverse their fortunes after a challenging period. The team’s defensive lineup remains uncertain, especially after fellow defender Inacio Miguel was stretchered off with an injury during the derby.

Adding to their troubles, Chiefs were also without first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen for the Pirates match due to injury, with Bruce Bvuma stepping in as his replacement.

Petersen underwent emergency surgery last week and it is not certain how long he will be out.

Kwinika has been the ever-present figure at centre-back for Chiefs this season, playing 24 games, including the 13 in the league and he has one goal to his name.