Arthur Zwane’s rebuilding process at Kaizer Chiefs has hit another snag with four key players confirmed to be long-term injuries.
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The leadership process has been disrupted by the sudden departure of Njabulo Blom in December.
Blom left the Chiefs for St Louis City FC in the US Premier League. This comes after contract extension negotiations with Chiefs hit a snag.
Zwane will now have to do without Khama Billiat, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Dillan Solomons and Reeve Frosler for the next month or two.
Billiat reportedly has a torn groin muscle and is out for the rest of the season.
Ngcobo, the main midfielder in Zwane’s set-up, will be out for at least three months after suffering a thigh muscle injury.
Frosler suffered a concussion after an unfortunate collision with teammate Siyabonga Ngezana last weekend. They are discharged within 6-8 weeks.
Solomons was also injured in the same game as Frosler and dislocated his shoulder which is expected to heal in 4-6 weeks.
Injuries delay progress
“We have been very unlucky when it comes to injuries this season,” admitted Zwane.
“Every game we’ve played, we’ve had to make forced changes and that takes away the momentum going into the next game.
“You have to chop and change and find new combinations. This time we lost two right backs in one game.
“Reeve has had surgery and Solly (Solomons) will be out for at least six weeks.
“Nkosingiphile has gone for surgery. Khama too and will probably be out for the rest of the season,” said the Chiefs mentor.
Zwane said he suffered a cheek injury from being part of the game, but admitted it hurt his team.
“We’ve never been in a situation like this. It’s quite annoying, but it’s part of the game. It’s the nature of this game.
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“We’re not going to dwell on it and complain about it. We still have playing personnel that can go out and execute the game plan.
But it’s not all doom and gloom regarding injuries with Erick Mathoho, Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander returning to the team.
The trio hasn’t been sick for a long time. “Cole started jogging this week and a lot of guys are available for this game.
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“We welcome back Menara, who is also injured. But he is not 100 percent when he returns.
“But we decided to integrate him into the team because of his experience and because he trained fully last week.
“We are keeping an eye on Menara and are pushing him to be fit and we will try and play if we get the chance,” the Amakhosi coach added.