Kaizer Chiefs Face Stellies Test Without Suspended Pule Mmodi
Kaizer Chiefs will begin their 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign on Sunday with a tough away clash against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. However, they will have to do so without one of their key attackers.
Pule Mmodi is suspended for the match after receiving a red card in Chiefs’ final league game last season against Sekhukhune United. The attacker has already missed one game — the curtain-closer against Polokwane City — and will now serve the second match of his two-game ban.
New head coach Nasreddine Nabi confirmed Mmodi’s absence, admitting the team will feel the loss but must adapt.
“We are ready but just regretting the absence of Pule Mmodi for the first game because of suspension,” Nabi said. “He is an important player for us. But I need to give confidence for all the players to get a positive result.”
Chiefs ended the previous campaign in ninth place and are under pressure to deliver better results this season. For Nabi, this match marks his first official game in charge, and the result could set the tone for what is expected to be a demanding season.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch come into the fixture with momentum. Steve Barker’s side already have one competitive game under their belt after advancing to the MTN8 semi-finals, giving them an edge in match fitness.
With Mmodi unavailable, Glody Makabi Lilepo could start on the left wing, while Wandile Duba is likely to feature on the right. New signing Gaston Sirino also offers an attacking option if Nabi chooses to adjust his setup.
Chiefs won all three of their encounters against Stellenbosch last season across competitions. Maintaining that record could ease early-season pressure and give Nabi a solid platform to build on.
