Injury Blow for Kaizer Chiefs: Can Young Star Step Up In Soweto Derby?

Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a major setback as experienced defender Erick Mathoho has joined the club’s growing injury list. Head coach Arthur Zwane has expressed uncertainty over the duration of Mathoho’s absence. However, the arrival of 18-year-old center-back Siyabonga Gumede in the team’s training sessions provides a much-needed boost to the squad.

The youngster has been promoted to the first team to fill the void left by Mathoho’s absence, as the senior defender has struggled with injuries this season. Gumede, who was named Chiefs’ reserve team Defender of the Season in 2021-22, was seen training with the senior squad on Wednesday.

Head coach Arthur Zwane has demonstrated his affinity for young talent from the Kaizer Chiefs academy and reserve teams, drawing on his experience as a youth coach for the club. At the start of this season, the 49-year-old tactician handed a three-year contract to 19-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala, promoting him to the first team. Two months ago, Wandile Duba, 18, and Samkelo Zwane, 20, also received a promotion to the senior squad from the reserve team.

With players from the Diski Challenge, the PSL development league, eligible to be registered and play for the first team at any point during the season, SA under-20 international Gumede presents an option for Zwane to consider.

Zwane was compelled to call up Austin Dube to the starting line-up for the match against Golden Arrows last Sunday after fellow left-footed center-back Edmilson Dove was ruled out due to illness.