Chiefs get major fitness boost as duo return

Kaizer Chiefs have received a major boost in their bid for silverware this season with the news that both goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kearyn Baccus are back to full fitness.

The pair had been sidelined by groin and ankle injuries respectively, but the club announced on Friday that they are available for selection for coach Ernst Middendorp as he looks ahead to a Telkom Knockout semifinal against Maritzburg United at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

“Itumeleng Khune is medically fit and has joined the team in full training. Khune has been recovering from a groin injury he picked up in the game against Baroka FC in September,” a statement said.

“Also making a welcome return from an ankle injury is Kearyn Baccus. The midfield maestro was in fine form before getting injured in a Telkom Knockout Cup round of 16 match against Cape Town City in October.”

Chiefs also confirmed that Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in March, is nearing a return to first team action having played in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge.

For all their good injury news, Chiefs will be without goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, defender Erick Mathoho and midfielder Willard Katsande, who are all suspended, for Sunday’s crunch semifinal.