‘Shinga is ready, he received his card to play but still has fitness to work on,’ said the Chiefs assistant coach.
Khalil Ben Youssef, the assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs, provided insights into the status of new recruits Flavio Da Silva, Ethan Chislett, and Nkanyiso Shinga, who have yet to compete in official matches for Amakhosi this season.
Chiefs’ players are clear to play
Although the trio participated in pre-season activities, they have not played in any of Chiefs’ opening three matches in the Betway Premiership.
They have now sorted their paperwork and may be in contention for the upcoming clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
“Shinga is ready, he received his card to play but still has fitness to work on,” stated Ben Youssef after Chiefs secured a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay, marking their third consecutive win.
“Silva received his card yesterday, but it was late for us. We had already made our plan for this game.
“Ethan was sick last week, he had no training sessions. But he is ready to play.”
During halftime at the match against the Natal Rich Boyz, Chiefs also introduced three additional new signings: winger Asanele Velebayi, striker Etiosa Ighodaro, and forward Luke Baartman.
At the pre-match press conference earlier in the week, Ben Youssef admitted he was unfamiliar with Velebayi but seemed to have gathered more information by the time of the match.
“We have seen the quality of these players, we need these kinds of players,” he noted.
“They must come and fight to take their position at Chiefs. It is very tough to be in this team. The mentality of the player has to be that they … fight to help the team.”
Nabi on the way back to SA?
The Chiefs are optimistic about head coach Nasreddine Nabi returning in time for their match against Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
“Nabi will be with us I hope this week to prepare for the next game against Sundowns,” said Ben Youssef.
Nabi had to return to Tunisia prior to the season’s start following a serious car accident involving his wife.
During Nabi’s absence, Ben Youssef and fellow assistant coach Cedric Kaze have taken on coaching responsibilities.
