Kaizer Chiefs Star Pule Mmodi Suspended for Season Opener

Kaizer Chiefs will be without Pule Mmodi when they kick off the new DStv Premiership season. The 32-year-old midfielder is serving the final match of a two-game suspension.

Mmodi received a red card in Chiefs’ penultimate fixture of the 2024/25 season against Sekhukhune United. He missed the last game of that campaign, against Polokwane City, and is now ruled out of the opening match of the new season.

According to the National Soccer League (NSL) Handbook, Chapter 5 on Disciplinary Matters, a player sent off for the first time in a season must serve a two-match suspension. The rules also confirm that any part of the suspension not served before the season ends must be carried into the following one.

The handbook clarifies that cautions (yellow cards) do not carry over between seasons, but suspensions for red cards do.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has acknowledged the impact of Mmodi’s absence. “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.”

Mmodi made 24 appearances for Chiefs last season. His attacking contributions and experience have made him a key figure in the squad. The Theunissen-born midfielder is now in his third season with the club.

Despite the setback, Nabi remains focused on building confidence across his squad. “I need to give confidence for all the players to get a positive result,” he added.

Chiefs face a challenging opening fixture, and Mmodi’s return will be expected to boost the team from their second match onward.