Faiz Abrahams: Why Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing won’t play soon

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has provided an update regarding when new signing Faiz Abrahams will be available to play.

Abrahams sealed a season-long loan deal from Stellenbosch FC last week, the attacker’s contract including an option to make the move permanent.

The 21-year winger, who has earned significant praise in South African football circles, enjoyed a standout season in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), where he scored 11 goals and was honoured as the reserve team’s Footballer of the Season.

Highly-rated young South African attacker

He also brings international experience to Naturena, having spent last season on loan with Israeli club Hapoel Kfar Saba. His development was further highlighted by his key role in the South African U20 national team (Amajita) that won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Abrahams was missing from the matchday squad as Chiefs faced Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday and according to Da Cruz, it will take some time before the fans can see him in action.

“And then for Faiz he had no pre-season,” Da Cruz told the media as quoted by iDiski Times.

Why Chiefs new man Abrahams isn’t ready

“He comes without nothing so we are making a plan for him now and we will prepare him step by step. So, you need to be patient,” he added, confirming that the versatile attacker is still far from ready.

Abrahams was Chiefs’ fifth signing of the current window following the arrival of ex-Stellenbosch teammates Thabo Moloisane and Langelihle Phili as well as ex-Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa, signed from Azam FC.

Chiefs have an array of attacking talents at Da Cruz’s disposal and the French coach will not be rushing Abrahams into the fray until he is certain that he is ready.