Siyabonga Gumede of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Siyanda Mthanti of Golden Arrows during the DStv Diski Challenge 2022/23 match. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Chiefs teenager set for first team promotion
With injuries continuing to plague Kaizer Chiefs, an opportunity seems to have opened up for youngster Siyabonga Gumede.
Siyabonga Gumede of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Siyanda Mthanti of Golden Arrows during the DStv Diski Challenge 2022/23 match. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Last week, Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane confirmed that Erick Mathoho has suffered a setback in his injury recovery and could be out ‘for a long time’.
Chiefs have been facing an unprecedented injury crisis, but Zwane had suggested earlier this month that Phathutshedzo Nange and Mathoho were at least able to soon be welcomed back. However, Mathoho has since suffered another concerning injury last week, and it’s seemingly opened up a spot in the senior training group.
At Naturena this week, 18-year-old centre-back Siyabonga Gumede was seen to have joined the first team in training sessions, effectively receiving a call-up after the injury to Mathoho.
Gumede was named the 2021-22 Chiefs reserve team Defender of the Season, and it will be interesting to see whether he is just being exposed to the wider training group at this stage, or whether there could actually be an opportunity in this Saturday’s derby against Pirates.
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Last week, Zwane lamented another serious setback for Mathoho – the man known as ‘Tower’.
“We’ve been quite unfortunate when it comes to injuries in the squad,” said Zwane, as quoted by FAR Post. “He might be out for a long time.”
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THE SEVERITY OF INJURIES HAS BEEN CHALLENGING FOR CHIEFS
Billiat underwent surgery to repair a torn groin muscle, while Ngcobo tore a thigh muscle that required “extensive surgery”. Both will be out for the remainder of the season.
Frosler had a fracture to his jaw and will be out for about six weeks. Dillan Solomons dislocated his left shoulder that will leave him on the sidelines for about a month.
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