Kaizer Chiefs suffer major setback in push for CAF Confederation Cup slot

Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt another injury blow with the confirmation that vice-captain Zitha Kwinika has been sidelined.

The defender was absent from the squad that faced Magesi FC on Saturday.

Despite the setback, the Glamour Boys secured their second consecutive victory in the Premier Soccer League, defeating the relegation-threatened side 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This win follows their narrow 1-0 triumph over Durban City, where Glody Lilepo scored the decisive goal a week earlier.

The Congolese international was influential once again, setting up Wandile Duba for the opening goal in the 32nd minute against Magesi.

Kaizer Chiefs confirm Kwinika absence

Mfundo Vilakazi, coming on as a second-half substitute, sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute, securing crucial points for his team.

The result lifts the Naturena-based club to fourth on the league table, just one point behind third-placed AmaZulu, with two games in hand.

Ahead of the Magesi match, the club revealed that Kwinika had joined a lengthy injury list that already includes Rushwin Dortley, Ethan Chislett, Reeve Frosler, George Matlou, and Nkanyiso Shinga.

In a pre-match statement, the club detailed the changes to the starting eleven.

Growing injury list for the Glamour Boys

“There are three changes to the starting line-up from the previous match, with McCarthy coming in for the injured Zitha Kwinika at the back,” the club announced.

“Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is replacing Siphesihle Ndlovu in midfield, and winger Pule Mmodi is preferred to Ashley Du Preez.”

In Kwinika’s absence, Chiefs had Miguel Inacio and Aden McCarthy in central defence and it looks like it will continue that way for some time but his absence robs Amakhosi an experienced player in a key position.

Chiefs will now turn their focus to their upcoming league fixture against ORBIT College on Monday, April 6.