POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 26: Edson Castillo of Kazier Chiefs arrives with the bus prior to the Betway Premiership match between SuperSport United and Kazier Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Kaizer Chiefs were dealt a heavy blow with the injury to Edson Castillo, who is believed to be out for close to five months. So, how will this affect their January transfer plans?
Despite this injury to Castillo, the club is not panicking to immediately look for a replacement for the Venezuelan international midfielder, according to insiders at the club.
READ: Chiefs In Hot Water With The PSL Again
The insiders have added that even in the January transfer window, the defensive midfield department won’t be a priority for signing new players. The insiders stated that the coach and his technical team are happy with what they have in that department as they wait for Castillo to recover.
“Of course the injury is a big blow. The coach was depending on his experience in that department to help the young players and guide that but as much as it’s disappointing and sad, it’s not a train smash. The team has players who can play in that position and they have played very well already. Look at Samkelo Zwane and Njabulo Blom,” said the Siya source.
“Then you know Inacio Miguel and Given Msimango can play in that position as well? So it’s not as stressing as it looks though it’s not good to lose a player like Castillo or any other player to injury but the team will manage and do well,” the source added.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that this could be the time for Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa to get the chance to play and prove himself to the coach.
READ: Manqoba On Midfielder: ‘We Brought Him To Downs Because…’
“You know someone’s misfortune could be someone’s luck and this could give Ox the chance to play. You know he was meant to be loaned out but it did work so now he has the chance to stay in January as Castillo could be out until March and they woul need an experienced holding midfielder like Ox and that’s why this could be his time to be given a chance and prove himself. So there is no need to sign a new midfielder. The club is looking at either a winger or a striker and nothing has changed on that,” the second source stated.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing this report.
As Chiefs navigate the season without Castillo, the club’s confidence in their existing squad highlights their strategic planning. With opportunities for players like Mthethwa to step up, fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and performs in the coming months.
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