Da Cruz backs Kaizer Chiefs captain Petersen despite recent costly errors

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has released an injury update prior to Sunday's Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC at the Dobsonville Stadium. Due to the unavailability of their usual home ground, the FNB Stadium, the game will be played at this alternative venue. The stadium will also host the third encounter between the Springboks and All Blacks on Saturday.

During a press conference at the Chiefs Village on Wednesday, Da Cruz disclosed that defender Thabiso Monyane and forward Langelihle Phili remain injured and will not return until after the FIFA international break. Phili has been sidelined for eight weeks, while Monyane's recovery period is four weeks long. Striker Flavio Silva, however, will be available in one to two weeks.

"Thabiso Monyane will be out for four weeks; Phili is also injured for eight weeks," Da Cruz explained through an interpreter. "We have some players who have returned to the squad, including Mako, Cross, Kabelo [Nkgwesa] and Reeve Frosler. They are not fully fit yet, so they are gradually getting back into action. Additionally, Flavio Silva will be ready in the next one to two weeks."

Da Cruz praised the Chiefs medical team for their efforts in aiding the injured players' quick recoveries. "We have two categories of injuries: those sustained during the previous season, which require more time to heal, and those suffered this season, for which our medical staff is working diligently and doing their best to get the players back to full fitness as soon as possible," he said.

Despite the injuries, Da Cruz and his technical team are striving to ensure the available players help the team maintain their position at the top of the Betway Premiership standings. The unbeaten Amakhosi currently have eight points after winning two and drawing two of their four opening games. A victory against Siwelele will narrow the gap between Chiefs and the leaders, Orlando Pirates, to just two points.