Kaze Hints At Debuts In Carling Clash Against Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cedric Kaze has hinted that several new signings could finally make their long-awaited debuts when Amakhosi face Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Cup at DHL Stadium on Sunday.
Fatigue Concerns After Tight Schedule
Kaze admitted that player fatigue has been a growing concern, with Chiefs playing six matches in the last 18 days—averaging a game every three days.
The heavy schedule has coincided with a run of three winless league matches, leaving Amakhosi in fifth place on the Betway Premiership table with 15 points from eight games.
To ease the load, Kaze is expected to rotate his squad, with Ethan Chislett, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga—all signed before the season but yet to feature—likely to be handed their first minutes in Chiefs colours.
“For every team in this tournament, it’s a fresh start. For us as Kaizer Chiefs, we are very happy to be here and ready to go all out,” Kaze said.
“We’ve played every three days for almost three weeks. It’s heavy on the players, so we need fresh legs and fresh minds for the game.”
Chiefs’ Poor Cup Record in Recent Years
Chiefs will be looking to improve their disappointing record in the Carling Knockout (formerly Telkom Knockout). They crashed out in the first round last season, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
Before that, they were eliminated by AmaZulu—losing to the Durban side for the first time in any PSL-era cup competition.
Despite recent struggles, Chiefs remain the record winners of this tournament with 13 titles, though their last success came in 2010.
A Fresh Start in Knockout Football
Kaze sees the Carling Knockout as a chance to reset and give supporters renewed belief:
“It’s a different tournament and everyone is looking forward to it. We are willing to do everything we can to go all out.”
With fatigue affecting key players, and the pressure mounting after league setbacks, Amakhosi fans will be eager to see whether the introduction of new faces can spark a much-needed revival in cup competition.
