Chiefs Facing Defensive Crisis Ahead Of Sundowns Showdown

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi faces significant defensive challenges ahead of their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, potentially being without his two key center-backs.

Inacio Miguel sustained an injury during their Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

He slipped and fell while Chiefs led 1-0, requiring him to be stretchered off. The 80th-minute substitution, with Edmilson Dove replacing the Angolan international, coincided with Chiefs conceding an equalizer by Mlungisi Mbunjana.

Chiefs were already missing Rushwin Dortley, who is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, making his availability for the Sundowns clash highly unlikely.

“About Miguel, we will wait to see if he is doing to get the thought of medical staff to see he will be there for the next game,” said Nabi.

Chiefs enter the Sundowns match on a four-game winless streak in the league, precariously holding onto their top-eight position. Despite these setbacks, Nabi remains optimistic about securing a top-four finish and qualifying for CAF club competitions next season.  

“Regarding finishing in the top three, we are focusing on taking each game as it comes,” he stated. “To be honest, it will be very difficult because we have dropped points that we shouldn’t have. However, we will approach each game individually and see where we end up in the league.”

Notably, Dortley’s last appearance for Chiefs was in their 1-0 loss to Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium last month. That match also saw the return of Dove, who filled in at left-back, a position that has been problematic for Chiefs with Bradley Cross’s inconsistent appearances.

If both Dortley and Miguel are unavailable, Chiefs will be left with Dove and Given Msimango as their only center-back options for Sunday’s crucial encounter.