Lebohang Maboe is now Kaizer Chiefs’ primary playmaker. He missed their 1-1 stalemate with Stellies, and there’s no return in sight.

Maboe misses Kaizer Chiefs match, Chiefs miss Maboe

Lebohang Maboe missed Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch, and it showed. Coach Fernando Da Cruz opted for a back four and a double midfield pivot of Reeve Frosler and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Although Frosler assisted Mdu Shabalala’s goal, Frosler is a square peg in a round hole and not a long-term option for that role. Chiefs’ regular engine room partnership of Siphesihle Ndlovu and Maboe has been obliterated because of injuries to both players. Maboe has two goals and two assists this season in the league. Without him, they look devoid of creativity. At 32, Maboe is hardly a spring chicken, so what’s the alternative?

The dust settles on another stalemate for Chiefs

A 1-1 draw isn’t the worst result in the world, but Chiefs have now drawn five of their last six Betway Premiership outings and not beaten Stellies in any of their last four H2Hs, a sequence that includes three defeats. They trail champions Orlando Pirates by eight points after just eight matches of the new campaign. Last night, coach Fernando Da Cruz fell ill and had to be attended to by doctors. Next up is a two-legged CAF Confed Cup clash with Red Arrows. Chiefs fans have to wait until 31 October for their next Betway Premiership assignment, and it’s against Orlando Pirates of all people.

Chiefs XI vs Stellies: Leaner; Monyane, Miguel, Moloisane, Cross; Frosler, Mthethwa; Vilakazi, Shabalala, Mako; Duba.

Subs used: Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett, Asanele Velebayi, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Thulani Mabaso.

Will Da Cruz chop and change his formation again for the clashes with Red Arrows? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂