KAIZER Chiefs have received a boost ahead of hosting Siwelele at the weekend with left back Bradley Cross back training as he is seen with Thabo Moloisane, centre, and other teammates.
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Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely defensive boost ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele FC, with several players closing in on a return from injury.
Amakhosi have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks, particularly at left-back, but coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed on Wednesday that Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross and Kabelo Nkgwesa have returned to training.
Chiefs will host Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday as they look to return to winning ways after dropping points in their draw against Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium last week.
The defensive display against the Natal Rich Boys will be a concern for Da Cruz, with Chiefs conceding twice after costly errors.
The return of Mako and Cross could therefore not have come at a better time for the French coach.
Chiefs have been without their recognised left-backs in recent weeks, forcing winger Pule Mmodi to deputise in the position.
Da Cruz, however, warned that the returning players are not yet ready to immediately resume full competitive action.
“Monyane will not be available before the FIFA window because he’s injured for four weeks; Phili is the same thing; he’s injured for eight weeks,” Da Cruz said at the Chiefs training grounds.
“But we have players who came back: Mako, Cross, Kabelo [Nkgwesa] and Reeve Frosler. They are not 100% physically. So they are coming back step by step. With Flavio Silva, he will be ready in one or two weeks.”
While Mako, Cross, Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler are back in the fold, Thabiso Monyane and Langelihle Phili remain unavailable.
Da Cruz confirmed that the pair will only return after the September 21 to October 6 FIFA international break, meaning they will miss Sunday’s encounter with Siwelele.
Flavio Silva is also edging closer to a return, with the Chiefs coach expecting the forward to be ready within the next one or two weeks.
The availability of more defensive options will be welcomed by Da Cruz as Chiefs attempt to maintain their unbeaten start and keep pace with the leading Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Amakhosi currently sit third on the table with eight points from four matches, two behind Sundowns and five adrift of Pirates, who have played a game more.
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