Head coach Nasreddine Nabi is keeping his cards close to his chest over the readiness of two key Kaizer Chiefs players ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final tie against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Soweto giants are gearing up for what may be their toughest encounter in the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup campaign.
READ | BREAKING: Mbokazi, Mfundo Vilakazi headline final SA U-20 AFCON squad
In the matches leading up to the clash, Chiefs have lost some of their most vital players to injury. Midfielder Thabo Cele could not continue beyond the first in a league match against Golden Arrows. He played no part in a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy a week later.
Unfortunately for Chiefs, club vice-captain Inacio Miguel also suffered what looked to be a nasty injury in the Galaxy clash and had to be substituted off.
Asked if the pair had fully recovered in time for the Sundowns clash, Nabi was reluctant to give a straight answer, perhaps a hint of psychological warfare.
"For Miguel and Thabo Cele, I will answer after [the match]. [For now] It is open," Nabi cheekily told journalists at a pre-match press conference held in Sandton on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Chiefs remain with plenty of options in the middle of the park. In the event of Cele's absence, Nabi will likely turn to Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Samkelo Zwane, the returning Edson Castillo, or even Samkelo Zwane.
ALSO READ | 'I hope they feel embarrassed...' - Riveiro speaks on violent scenes at Orlando
What may worry Amakhosi supporters slightly more, though, is the situation at centre-back. Chiefs have already lost Rushwin Dortley to injury for the rest of the season.
In the absence of Miguel, Nabi only has Given Msimango, Zitha Kwinika and Edmilson Dove as centre-back options.
The match will be played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
