Kaizer Chiefs Face Quiet International Break as Flavio Silva Becomes Only Senior National Team Call-Up

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz will have almost his entire squad available during the current international break, with Flavio Silva the only player away on senior national team duty. The situation gives Da Cruz an opportunity to work with most of his players while several international fixtures take place. Lebohang Maboe will not join Bafana Bafana after being dropped from the latest squad. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko has also missed out on a national team call-up because of his ongoing injury problems. His absence from Tanzania’s squad means Silva will be the only Kaizer Chiefs representative involved in senior international football during this period.

Bitegeko was previously included in Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi’s squad for the camp that featured matches against Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. However, the midfielder did not get an opportunity to make an appearance during that period. His situation has since become more difficult because he has not featured in any of the six matches Kaizer Chiefs have played since then. The absence has been linked to injury concerns rather than a lack of involvement in the team’s plans. Those problems have now prevented him from joining Tanzania for their upcoming two matches against Nigeria in Group L.

Tanzania have already secured qualification for next year’s tournament as one of the three co-hosting nations alongside Kenya and Uganda. Their qualification means the upcoming fixtures against Nigeria will form part of their preparations and competitive schedule rather than a fight to secure a place at the finals. Bitegeko will miss an opportunity to gain international experience and build his standing within the national team setup. His immediate priority will be returning to fitness and getting regular playing time at Kaizer Chiefs. The club will also want to see him become more involved after a difficult start to his time in South Africa.

The midfielder has featured in only four matches for Kaizer Chiefs so far. None of those appearances has seen him complete the full 90 minutes. His limited involvement, combined with his recent injury problems, has made it difficult for him to establish a regular place in the team. The coming months could therefore prove important for his development and chances of representing Tanzania at the next major tournament. His performances and fitness at Chiefs will help determine whether he earns a place in the final squad for the PAMOJA tournament, scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

While Bitegeko works towards a return, Flavio Silva will carry Kaizer Chiefs’ international representation during the break. The Guinea-Bissau forward has received a call-up from national team coach Emiliano Té and has travelled to Morocco for the latest assignment. Guinea-Bissau are scheduled to face Madagascar there on Thursday. Madagascar have had to move their home fixtures to Morocco because they do not have a CAF-approved stadium available for the matches. The return fixture between the two nations will take place in Bissau on November 17.

Silva’s selection comes after he recently returned from injury at Kaizer Chiefs. His fitness and match sharpness will be important as he looks to make the most of the opportunity with Guinea-Bissau. The forward has scored once for Chiefs this season, but his national team coach has continued to show confidence in him. The call-up gives Silva a chance to gain valuable minutes and strengthen his position within the Guinea-Bissau squad. It also offers him an opportunity to build momentum after his recent injury setback.

For Da Cruz, having only one senior international absentee creates a different situation from an international break in which several players leave for national team assignments. Most of the Kaizer Chiefs squad will remain available for training and preparation at the club. The coaching staff can use the period to work on fitness, tactical organisation and individual development. Players who have struggled for regular minutes could also benefit from additional training time. The break may therefore provide a useful opportunity to improve the squad’s overall readiness for the next round of domestic fixtures.

The absence of Maboe from the Bafana Bafana squad and Bitegeko from Tanzania’s selection has left Silva as the only Kaizer Chiefs player on senior international duty. Bitegeko’s injury concerns remain a setback as he looks to establish himself at the club and pursue future opportunities with Taifa Stars. Silva, meanwhile, will aim to turn his Guinea-Bissau call-up into valuable playing time after returning from injury. Da Cruz can focus on working with the players who remain at Naturena while monitoring Silva’s international assignment. How the squad uses this break could influence Kaizer Chiefs’ preparations and performances when domestic football resumes.