A major PSL club is grappling with a concerning pattern of injuries that has raised questions about their preparation methods, the Siya crew has been informed.
Insiders close to the club, Kaizer Chiefs, are pointing at decisions made months before the season even began.
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The defensive unit has been particularly hard-hit, prompting speculation about whether the issue stems from medical handling or deeper fitness concerns.
The insiders at Amakhosi have indicated that most of the defenders were catching up with the tough pre-season training they had in Turkey and that this is particularly contributing to the injuries.
The sources added that the season is taking a toll on the players' fitness hence the injuries, mainly at the back.
"Most of the injuries are believed to have been caused by stiff and tight muscles which was contributed by the hard training the team apparently had in the pre-season. You know the pre-season is to just keep the players fit for the long season but because the training in Turkey was very tough most of their bodies could not take in the fatigue of playing week in week out hence some of these injuries. But they are working on how to manage that and minimise the hard training in the next off season," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second insider noted that it's not only the defenders who have been affected by this tough training regime but almost all the players.
"Yes, most injuries have been with the defence but even the strikers and midfielders have all been affected in one way or the other. Whether it's just injuries or even fatigue in a game. Look at the energy Chiefs players start the game with and then check them in the second half. It's not the same. That's why we are saying it has affected almost the whole squad. Look at the injuries. Who hasn't suffered injuries this season? Very few, of course, but that will be sorted out next season," the second source believes.
The defenders who have suffered injuries include Inacio Miguel, Given Msimango, Dillan Solomons, Ashwin Dortley, Bongani Sam and Reeve Frosler who is reportedly out for the rest of the season.
However, the view that the fixtures are taking a toll on the Chiefs players after a tough pre-season is a surprising one when considering that Amakhosi didn't participate in the MTN8 since they didn't qualify for the first cup competition of the season.
Furthermore, Amakhosi also didn't qualify for CAF football in Africa so they've also had more time to prepare for PSL games than their rivals. Nevertheless, there remains the opinion that such a tough program in Turkey so early on could be the reason for how Amakhosi's league campaign was derailed.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for an official comment on the issue but there was no response at the time of preparing this story.
As Amakhosi continue their campaign with a depleted squad, this revelation raises important questions about how clubs balance intense preparation with long-term player availability.
With the next pre-season approaching in a few months, Chiefs' management faces crucial decisions about how to modify their approach to ensure players remain fit throughout the entire season, according to Chiefs' insiders.
