Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has explained the absence of wingers Asanele Velebayi and Pule Mmodi as Amakhosi prepare for a demanding week in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs were eliminated from the MTN8 by Golden Arrows on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat at FNB Stadium. Their attention now turns to the league, with home fixtures against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday and Mamelodi Sundowns later in the week.
Da Cruz used Sunday’s match to manage his squad with the congested schedule in mind, insisting that every available player will be needed during a challenging run of fixtures.
“Players like Asanele Velebayi or Pule Mmodi, it’s a choice for today, but also we have three games in six days,” Da Cruz said after the defeat.
“We will need all the squad for these three games because it will be a tough week for us.”
The French coach also acknowledged the impact of injuries, with several players continuing their rehabilitation and unavailable for selection.
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“Also today, we miss all the players who are again injured,” Da Cruz said.
“They are doing their rehabilitation, but also we are interested in the players who are available for the moment, and they will come back step by step.”
Chiefs will now have little time to dwell on their MTN8 disappointment. Da Cruz must quickly refocus his squad on the league campaign, with the meetings against Sekhukhune and Sundowns offering an immediate test of the team’s depth and ability to recover from a setback.