Kaizer Chiefs have received major boost ahead of the DStv Diski Challenge resumption with the return of five key players.
Amakhosi started the season on a positive note at some point they were leading the log. However, things took a twist when six players [Omega Mdaka, Puso Dithejane whom have left the club, Donay Jansen, Ntandeyenkosi Nkosi, Siyabonga Gumede, and Lungile Nkosi] were suspended by the club after they refused to carry out ball boy duties.
In six matches before the break, whic Chiefs played without these players, they lost one, drew four and won once. Those results saw them dropping from the top spot to fifth on the log.
The club coach Vela Khumalo confirmed the return of the players ahead of their Saturday clash against Chippa United at Tsakane Stadium, [10:00am].
“We have all the players available ahead of this match and that has made our preparations smooth,” Khumalo told SuperSport.com.
“Four of the six that were suspended are back and also Mfundo Vilakazi who missed most of the matches due to exams is back and available for selection.”
Ambitious Khumalo is now hopeful that return of the quintet will boost Amakhosi’s title aspirations as they are not far from log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
He added: “The suspension of the did affect us that is no secret but now we will try to compete to our level best. We could have done so much better in the past 12 games, but now we a chance to try and do better in the remaining games. It is not all over.”
“We have to grind for results in the second round starting with the Chippa game. The players know what is expected from them and they will not disappoint.”
Striker, Jansen is expected to pick up from where he left off as he got suspended while he was the clubs leading goal scorer with seven goals. A lot would be expected from him on Saturday having scored in every game that he played before suspension.
On facing Chippa, Khumalo admitted that The Chilli Boys won’t be an easy nut to crack as they are one of the unpredictable teams in the league.
Chippa stunned Sundowns in their last league game and thumped them 4-0 to hand them first defeat of the season. With that in mind, Amakhosi will have to tread carefully.