The season has not even begun, but new coach Nasreddine Nabi has a bit of a headache at left back following an injury to two players in that position.
Amakhosi confirmed that Mozambican international Edmilson Dove, who is expected to play more at left back than in central defence under Nabi, has returned to South Africa from their tour of Turkey with an injury. Dove had on a moonboot and will receive medical attention before it's revealed how long he will be out for.
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Another concern is that Bongani Sam returned with Dove, also wearing a moonboot after picking up an injury in Turkey. Sam is understood to have signed with the Soweto giants ahead of the new campaign and will be unveiled in the near future, but he might not be available to start the campaign while he nurses an injury.
With Sifiso Hlanti released at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract, Amakhosi look set to start the new season with Happy Mashiane as their only option at left back.
Mashiane has shown previously that he can step into the role when called upon, but has not done enough in his time at the club to convince coaches that he is the ideal person to start at left back. He has mostly been used as a back-up and has not quite used the opportunities he has been given to win a regular place in the team.
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Chiefs do, however, have versatile player Reeve Frosler who can play at both right and left back. Frosler, in fact, has started ahead of Mashiane on occasions when the Soweto giants did not have their regular starters in the role available for selection. Frosler has done well in the position and in fact scored one of his best goals playing at left back, against Orlando Pirates during the Soweto derby in 2022.
With the transfer window still open for some time, Chiefs do have an option of going into the market to bring in someone new, but the club is likely to wait for the injured players to recover, which will give Nabi more options in the position.
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