The never-ending Royal AM saga has presented Kaizer Chiefs with a challenge in keeping their discipline levels in check ahead of the fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Seeking an unprecedented third victory on the trot this term, Chiefs face SuperSport United on Tuesday, and would have followed that up with a Royal AM clash over the weekend but for the Durban side's troubles that have seen their fixtures postponed indefinitely.
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It means, barring a sudden change in the status quo, the Soweto giants' next encounter is on March 1 against Sundowns.
Not the most pleasing piece of news for the trio of Inacio Miguel, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Thabo Cele, each of whom is carrying three yellow cards.
With Thwihli Thwahla up next, it would have been an easier hurdle to navigate as a yellow card for any of the three players on Tuesday would mean missing the weekend match, only to be back for the blockbuster tie against the Tshwane giants.
This should present head coach Nasreddine Nabi with a headache seeing all three are key of his charges.
Miguel has been entrusted with the role of steadying the ship from centre-back since joining from Petro de Luanda but has also developed a penchant for collecting yellow cards.
In fact, he has already had a red card, received in a 4-0 thrashing by The Brazilians earlier this season, and having lost Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to Al-Ittihad recently, Nabi can ill-afford the absence of the Angolan for such an important fixture.
A call to rest the defender could hand a window of opportunity to the likes of Given Msimango and Zitha Kwinika for a rare look-in.
Shabalala has been troubled by a niggle since just prior to the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates towards the end of January, leading to him lasting 60 minutes in the 1-0 defeat on February 1.
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He then played the first half against AmaZulu FC, whilst going on to be a second-half substitute against both Stellenbosch FC and in the Nedbank Cup against Chippa United last weekend.
Meanwhile, Cele has fitted in like an established Glamour Boy since signing on the dotted line in the January transfer window and his bite, aggression and passing ability will be vital against a side like Sundowns that prides itself on midfield excellence.
Interestingly, he has made four appearances thus far, and only on debut against Pirates did he not get cautioned.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.