Unbeaten in the league, Amakhosi test squad depth with only one defensive midfielder available

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has not hidden that he is not yet certain whether they can mount a serious challenge in the title race this season.

Amakhosi are eager to return to winning ways when they host Stellenbosch in the league at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night (7.30pm), having played two consecutive draws against Polokwane City and Golden Arrows before the Fifa break last month.

Chiefs remain unbeaten in the league so far, but they are seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more than them.

“We’ve seen at the beginning of the season that we can compete with Sundowns in one game because we competed well against them [by holding them to a 1-all draw at home], but our objective is to be able to compete for the entire season... to repeat that type of performance all season long,” Da Cruz said on Monday.

“For the moment, I don’t have the answer if we are able or not [to go for the title].”

The Chiefs coach also revealed that three of his midfielders — Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Adolf Mtasingwa — are out injured and will miss the Stellenbosch game, leaving Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the only available defensive midfielder.

However, Da Cruz sounded confident that they will find solutions in the absence of this midfield trio, albeit refusing to divulge much. Thulani Mabaso and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who are both offensive-minded, are Chiefs’ other available midfield options.

“We’ve prepared something for tomorrow. You will see tomorrow but the most important thing is to focus on the players that are available,” Da Cruz answered when quizzed on how difficult it would be for them to soldier on without three key midfielders.

The Chiefs coach expects a tough encounter against Stellies, banking on the intensity with which his players have returned from the Fifa break.

“We know that it’ll be a tough game, but after giving our players a few days off, they have come back with a lot of intensity. We hope that it will be shown in the game,” Da Cruz said.

“We know that after a break it’s not always easy to come back with high intensity, but we’ve prepared well.”