Kaizer Chiefs star to miss start of the season after being hospitalised 

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a triple blow on the last day of the recently concluded season, after losing to Cape Town City on Saturday.

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Furthermore, that loss ensured Chiefs suffered 12 defeats in one Premier Soccer League season, their record amount of defeats in their history.

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To further compound their misery, Chiefs lost their speedy attacker, Ashley du Preez to a bad challenge from Taariq Fielies. The City centre back then saw red due to Referee on the day Moses Kheswa deeming the challenge to be a dangerous one. 

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Du Preez had initially managed to get himself up from the ground after receiving treatment on the injured leg, and he attempted to soldier on. However, his brave efforts did not last long as he was soon stretchered off the park to be replaced by Khama Billiat. Then in an extra blow, the returning star Billiat, himself, only lasted 10 mins before he was substituted with an injury, further decreasing Chiefs’ attacking options as they went into the second half chasing the game at 1-0 down. 

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After the game there were contrasting views from both the Chiefs and City officials about the nature of the tackle on Du Preez. Citizen’s coach Eric Tinkler admitted that at first glance, a red card seemed like a rather harsh decision. While Amakhosi media officer Vina Maphosa saw it in a totally different manner, before revealing the early diagnosis. 

Du Preez suffered a suspected fractured leg

“Without being prejudice, the player Ashley Du Preez has been admitted to hospital with a suspected fracture to his leg. So it might be more serious than it looked,” he told journalists according to SABC Sport.

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If that is the case then Du Preez and Chiefs are looking at two possible scenarios. One is to make sure of the extent of the fracture, determining whether it is minor or severe. According to various medical websites, a minor fracture will see the former Stellenbosch FC forward out for 6-8 weeks, which could see him missing pre-season but being in with the a chance to start the season.

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Should Du Preez have suffered a more severe fracture then, Chiefs would have to start the season without him as he would be sidelined for three to six months. Of course, Amakhosi would be hoping it is none of the above.