Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has revealed that both full-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele as well as left-winger Philani Zulu are back in the squad after recovering from injury.
Chiefs are set to travel to the Eastern Cape this weekend, where they will face ABC Motsepe League side Tornado FC on Sunday.
The Soweto giants will be competing in the opening round of the Nedbank Cup, as they restart their mission to end their three-and-a-half season trophy drought.
Speaking at in the build up to the game at a press conference held at the PSL head offices, Middendorp provided an injury update on his squad where he confirmed the returns of Zulu and Mphalele, but also revealed that George Maluleka has picked up a knock.
‘We had a little bit of a question mark with George Maluleka at training this morning, it’s a little bit uncertain and we’re not 100 percent sure – some parts he can do, some parts it’s flashing [sic], so he has a calf problem again and he’s going for an appointment this evening,’ said Middendorp.
‘We are really happy to see ‘Rama’ back, of course. He played in the Diski team on Saturday and he definitely will be part of the squad. As for how far we will use him, already my plan is to give him a 45-minute run.
‘Philani Zulu started training on Tuesday, he will as of this moment also be a member of the squad, which means one or two will go out but one or two will come back in.’
The German coach also admitted that he is looking to give some of his fringe players some game time as he looks to reintroduce them into the team to help aid with the injuries currently plaguing the squad.
‘It’s good. I think players who haven’t really been part of the squad – like ‘Bongo’ Jayiya, we’re working on him and he could be useful particularly now that Lebogang Manyama is out,’ he added.
‘Gustavo Paez – we’re trying to bring them closer and eventually in [to the squad]. These are good players, no doubt about it. They got a little lost in the past but it’s our responsibility to put in [work], it’s not only about players who are falling out with injury, but some need to come in.’