Chiefs Boosted By Return Of Duo Ahead Of Crucial Red Arrows Clash
Kaizer Chiefs have received a major injury boost ahead of their must-win CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, second-leg encounter against Red Arrows at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
Amakhosi captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, alongside influential midfielder Lebohang Maboe, have both returned to full team training and are included in the matchday squad currently in KwaZulu-Natal.
Maboe was sidelined after sustaining an injury during Chiefs’ goalless Betway Premiership draw against Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium last month. Medical scans conducted by Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed the extent of the damage, forcing Maboe out of national team duty under coach Pitso Mosimane.
The 32-year-old midfielder subsequently missed Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch and the 1-0 first-leg defeat to Red Arrows in Ndola.
Petersen also missed those two fixtures due to injury, with Renaldo Leaner deputising in goal in his absence.
Maboe’s return provides much-needed creativity and driving power in central midfield. Coach Fernando da Cruz has faced heavy criticism for adopting an overly defensive setup, particularly in last weekend’s sub-par performance in Zambia.
The double boost arrives at a critical juncture for Da Cruz, who faces three defining fixtures that could determine his future at Naturena. Amakhosi must first overturn the 1-0 aggregate deficit against the Zambian champions on Friday night to secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Following their continental clash, Chiefs host TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, before taking on fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in a mouth-watering Soweto Derby at the same venue next weekend.
Chiefs confirmed the squad news in an official statement on Friday:
“Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely boost ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup second-leg clash in the second preliminary round, with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and midfielder Lebohang Maboe returning to action after recent injury layoffs.
“The experienced duo are part of the squad currently in Durban, preparing to face Red Arrows of Zambia in a decisive encounter that will determine Amakhosi’s immediate fate in this season’s continental competition. Both players featured in Thursday’s pre-match training session at Moses Mabhida Stadium, signalling their readiness for the crucial fixture.
“Supporters can look forward to a mouthwatering contest as the Glamour Boys aim to secure progression in front of their home fans.”
