Chiefs receive boost ahead of TKO semi-final

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Cape Town — As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their much awaited Telkom Knockout semi-final clash against Wits today, there’s a glimmer of hope coming out of the medical room.

According to the Amakhosi’s official website, the club have been tormented by multiple injuries in recent times, but the latest report from the medical team provides some good news.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kgotso Moleko and Teenage Hadebe have reunited with their team-mates on the training pitch.

However, a slight set-back, however, is Ryan Moon’s situation. The young striker underwent surgery to his jaw, which will keep him on the sidelines until the end of the year. “Moon has injured his jaw,” reports the club’s physiotherapist Dave Milner.

“He is not taking part in training at the moment and will remain under scrutiny until the pain subsides.

“Rama and Moleko are recuperating well,” continues Milner.

“We are working in stages to get them back to full recovery before they could start with the match fitness program. Teenage, meanwhile, is involved in full training drills and on track to full recovery.”

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates and Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza has welcomed the increased professionalism and competitiveness in the league.

Speaking at the league’s annual general meeting on Thursday, Khoza also discussed the recent fortunes of Orlando Pirates – last season was the first time in the PSL-era that the club had finished outside of the top eight.

Khoza believes there were a number of factors at play, and also feels that it should be taken into account that success can often lead to more exertion and travel, as well as increased pressure and expectation.

“Unfortunately nobody has ever come out on the impact of what our travel on the continent (Bucs reached the finals of the Caf Champions’ League and the Confederation Cup in 2013 and 2015) has done to the players‚“ he said. “Having won the treble back-to-back‚ then been in four finals internally‚ and a further two on the continent‚ and the travelling has its own effect on the players. And that’s why we are looking now at how to re-energise the team.”

The Pirates’ boss is optimistic that the Bucs ship is sailing in the right direction under head coach, Milutin Sredojevic and his technical team.

“If there are issues that we have learnt‚ that need to be improved on in the technical team and around it‚ we are making a serious effort in making sure that we correct some of the issues that we have identified‚ to reinforce some of the areas around the technical team.

“But firstly it’s also about discussing it with the coach before we affect those changes‚ because he must also be satisfied with them. Never in the history of this team (in the PSL era) have we not been in the top eight. It’s the first time. But we are confident‚ with the coach‚ that we should give him our support.”

There will, however, always be pressure Khoza conceded, before welcoming the increased competitiveness in the league.

“Unfortunately the nature of our team is such that it builds pressure. Not only from us but also the media‚ for who it is also very important for the team to do well.

“It’s expected to do well. It’s got the history and tradition of doing well,” he explained.

“But I must say that I’m happy that the league has improved this much‚ that you cannot take things for granted. And if you’re going to be lackadaisical in your approach and preparations you will be punished.

“Teams have been professionalised‚ they all use a lot of analytics. So it’s not easy like before. You must be ahead of the competition.”-Sports24

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