Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama is a doubtful starter ahead of the must-win clash against Bidvest Wits on Sunday.
The 29-year-old played the full 90-minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday after he was rested in the previous outing against Stellenbosch.
Late fitness test for Lebogang Manyama
Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp has confirmed in the club’s website hours before kick-off that the player will undergo a late fitness test before a decision is made on whether he will take part in Sunday’s fixture.
“Lebo is struggling a bit with tight muscles,” the German mentor said. “We will wait for the doctor’s guidance before we take a decision. Otherwise, all is good, and we are looking forward to kick-off.”
Ernst Middendorp, Kaizer Chiefs coach
Injury woes for Kaizer Chiefs
One player already guaranteed to sit out the match between Chiefs and Wits is Colombian striker Leonardo Castro, who lasted just 27 minutes against Stellenbosch.
The 31-year-old did not feature against Sundowns, where Middendorp confirmed that he would not take further part in Amakhosi’s campaign, and had been allowed to leave the biosecure bubble.
The Soweto giants were, however, able to welcome defender Erick Mathoho for the match against Sundowns, along with Manyama – who Middendorp later conceded was not fully fit.
“We needed him (Manyama) for this game, but you could see he was not a hundred percent fit, but he fought hard trying to help the team. We are playing under the bio-bubble condition that is taking its toll on the players.”
Ernst Middendorp, Kaizer Chiefs coach
Chiefs will be boosted by the return of in-form striker Samir Nurkovic, who returns after serving a one-match suspension.
The Serb is chasing the golden boot, having scored 13 goals so far this season, one behind Orlando Pirates’ Gabadinho Mhango and Peter Shalulile of Highlands Park.
“He (Nurkovic) will give us options insofar as our attack is concerned,” Middendorp said.
Ernst Middendorp, Kaizer Chiefs coach
The match between Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs kicks off at 15:30.
