Kaizer Chiefs are navigating a difficult start to the 2026/06 campaign, with injuries creating significant problems for head coach Fernando Da Cruz, particularly in defence.
The Glamour Boys have been forced to deal with a growing list of unavailable players, leaving the technical team with limited options in key defensive positions. The situation has been particularly challenging at left-back, where several players have been ruled out at the same time.
Among those currently dealing with injuries is new signing Langelihle Phili. The 21-year-old attacker suffered an ankle injury and is expected to spend up to two months on the sidelines. Phili had made a promising start to life at Naturena, including scoring against Mamelodi Sundowns, making his absence another setback for Da Cruz.
Bradley Cross is another important absentee. The left-back picked up a serious injury during pre-season and is expected to return around September. Paseka Mako is also unavailable after suffering a fractured forearm during a pre-season friendly against Al-Kholood in Spain.
Nkanyiso Shinga remains sidelined while recovering from a long-term Achilles tendon injury. The defensive crisis has also affected other options, with Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler suffering setbacks, further reducing Da Cruz’s choices on the left side of defence.
However, there is encouraging news surrounding Rushwin Dortley.
The 24-year-old defender is finally edging closer to a competitive return after spending approximately 18 months out with a serious knee problem that required two surgeries. Dortley has already started getting valuable minutes in friendly and DDC matches as Chiefs carefully manage his comeback.
Da Cruz has made it clear that the club will not rush Dortley back. The priority is to rebuild his match fitness gradually and ensure that he is fully ready before returning to first-team football.
For Chiefs supporters, Dortley’s progress could not have come at a better time. With injuries putting enormous pressure on the squad, his eventual return could provide Da Cruz with another important defensive option.
For now, patience remains the key. The club will continue monitoring the injured players while carefully managing Dortley’s rehabilitation, hoping that reinforcements will gradually return as the season progresses.
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