Kaizer Chiefs Coach Nasreddine Nabi Faces Injury Crisis as Thabo Cele Joins Sidelines

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is grappling with the effects of an ongoing injury crisis, with new signing Thabo Cele becoming the latest player to be sidelined at a crucial stage of the season.

Chiefs suffered their 10th defeat of the campaign at the hands of Golden Arrows on Saturday, compounding their woes as Cele had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury. The setback adds to an already mounting list of absentees, including Rushwin Dortley and Reeve Frosler, further straining the squad’s depth.

Speaking after the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Nabi expressed his frustration over the growing injury concerns.

“I prefer to comment on the general performance of the team and not on individual players,” Nabi stated in his post-match press conference. “I think we have been unlucky with the injuries we have had, especially right now. Our right-back Reeve (Frosler) is injured, our left centre-back (Rushwin Dortley) is out, and now Thabo Cele, along with another recent addition, Tashreeq Morris, is also sidelined.”

Despite the challenges, Nabi remains determined to keep the squad’s morale high. “We feel that it’s a lot to take, but we have to keep our energy positive,” he added.

The club has yet to provide an official update on the extent of Cele’s injury or how long he is expected to be out. His absence could force Nabi to turn to Sibongiseni Mthethwa as a replacement when Chiefs take on TS Galaxy at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.