CAFCC: Chiefs Advance Despite Double Blow - Key Signings Unregistered, Key Players Injured

JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs navigated more than just a tough opponent to secure their place in the next cup round, with assistant coach Cedric Kaze revealing the team was hampered by significant squad registration issues in addition to injuries.

Despite the absences, the team showed resilience to win a penalty shootout. Kaze praised his players' mentality, stating, "I have to give credit to the boys for the calmness under a very big pressure."

READ: Kaizer Chiefs Beat Kabuscorp 5-4 on Penalties After Lilepo Goal

Victory Achieved Despite Unavailable Key Signings

In a major revelation, Kaze confirmed that the team's new attacking signings were not available for selection due to registration issues, not just fitness.

"We came into the game with a couple of injuries and a couple of players that were not registered," Kaze explained. This group includes high-profile summer signings Khanyisa Mayo and Lebohang Maboe, who could not be fielded.

Striker Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro was dealing with a separate injury issue but is on the road to recovery. "He started as well this week to train with the group without contact," the coach said. "We hope that after the international break he will be ready."

Kaze Promises Stronger Squad for Next Phase

Looking ahead, the assistant coach expressed optimism that the team will be in a much stronger position for the next stage of the competition.

"[We] believe going into the second phase, we can have more players available," he said, specifically naming Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, and [Ndlovu] as players who will be returning to bolster the squad. "We will be better than at this stage."

Match Analysis: Grinding Out a Result

On the pitch, Kaze analyzed a game of two halves. He noted a strong start where the team's plan to use quick, technical combinations against a physical, man-marking side created chances. "In the first half we got like three or four opportunities to score. Unfortunately we only scored one," he said.

The second half was more disjointed, but the team pushed in the final 15 minutes. "We got opportunities to score the second goal. Unfortunately we didn't until we go to the penalty shootout," Kaze added.

READ: "Enough is Enough": South African Football Union Threatens Legal Action Against Former Player Junior Khanye

A Win Built on Resilience

The victory, achieved despite off-field challenges, provides a vital morale boost. Kaze described the progression as "a very big relief" that creates "positive momentum into the mind of every player."

The result ensures Kaizer Chiefs remain in the cup and can look forward to integrating their new-look attack in the next round, setting the stage for a potentially much stronger campaign in the competition's latter stages.