Nasreddine Nabi has a crisis in his defensive stock, which could see Kaizere Chiefs battle to keep clean sheets during their run-in to the end of the season. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpageix
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Kaizer Chiefs are approaching a decisive stage in their season, but a growing injury list—especially in defence — is threatening to derail their push for a top-eight finish and their bid to finally lift a trophy after a ten-year drought.
The most recent setback came with the absence of Given Msimango from the matchday squad against Chippa United. Msimango, who had stepped up following Rushwin Dortley’s season-ending knee surgery, is now sidelined himself.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi confirmed that Msimango has been managing an injury for the past two to three months, and the decision to rest him was precautionary, still, the timing is far from ideal.
Msimango joins vice-captain Inacio Miguel on the injury list, after Miguel was forced off during the TS Galaxy fixture two weeks ago. With both unavailable, Nabi has had to rely on Zitha Kwinika and Edmilson Dove as his centre-back pairing — an arrangement that worked against Chippa United, but may be tested in the coming high-stakes fixtures.
Chiefs face a tough run-in, starting with Marumo Gallants at the weekend before back-to-back Soweto derbies against Orlando Pirates. The first, a league encounter on May 3, is key to solidifying their top-eight position.
A week later, the two sides meet again in the Nedbank Cup final — Chiefs’ last chance to end a decade-long trophy drought.
Defensive injuries could not have come at a worse time. Chiefs have conceded 29 goals in the league this season, already close to last campaign’s total of 30.
Only Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu have let in more goals, pointing to ongoing defensive frailties that injuries may further expose. Currently eighth on the table with 31 points from 25 matches, Amakhosi are just holding on to a top-half spot.
Beyond just results, the constant changes at the back may also be affecting the team’s rhythm and confidence. Continuity is key in any successful defence, and Chiefs have struggled to build that due to injuries.
It not only puts more pressure on the replacements but also forces tactical adjustments that can limit attacking freedom further up the pitch.
With the pressure mounting from supporters and expectations high, how Chiefs manage this defensive crisis will be critical.
Any slip-ups in the final rounds could see them drop out of the top eight for a second season in a row — a situation few would have predicted for a club of Chiefs’ stature.
The Nedbank Cup remains a beacon of hope. It offers not just a shot at silverware, but also a potential morale boost after several seasons of underachievement. However, going into a cup final with a patched-up defence poses a real challenge, especially against a strong Pirates side.
Injuries are part of the game, but Chiefs’ current defensive crisis has come at a critical juncture.
How Nabi manages the squad in the coming weeks could define the club’s season.
With a bit of stability and focus, there’s still a chance to finish strong but it will require resilience — and a fit squad to turn potential into progress.
