Kaizer Chiefs have announced three new signings ahead of the Soweto derby this weekend, but are they fit enough to get into the matchday squad?
Amakhosi unveiled Tashreeq Morris, Thabo Cele and Congolese attacker Glody Lilepo on Monday afternoon, bolstering the squad for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has said time and again that he is still in the building phase at Naturena.
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The big question ahead of the derby against Orlando Pirates is if the players have the right type of fitness to get into the team at FNB Stadium on Saturday?
Morris joined SuperSport United towards the end of last year after spending a few months as a free agent following his departure from Sekhukhune United at the end of last season. From the time he made his debut for SuperSport in October, the player was a regular in the side, making 10 appearances in all competitions.
His last appearance was on January 12 for Matsatsantsa, in a 3-0 defeat to his former club Sekhukhune. He was not in the team for the clash against Polokwane City on January 17, as he was already in talks with Amakhosi over a move. Indications are that he is fit and could make it into the matchday squad.
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Cele, though, might have to wait a bit before getting into the matchday squad. It's understood that he started training with the Soweto giants after leaving Russian side Fakel Voronezh, where he had made 14 appearances in all competitions.
His last competitive match was against Lokomotiv Moscow in November in a league match and would probably need to get some time to work his way back to full fitness.
Lilepo was signed from French third tier club Valenciennes and indications are that his work permit would be ready for him to feature. The DRC attacker played for his former side Valenciennes in a Coupe de France match against Le Mans on January 14, as the game went all the way to penalties. He may also be fit enough to get into the team.
