Chiefs’ Hlanti to be out for months

Kaizer Chiefs will be without Sifiso “Choppa” Hlanti when they meet their long-standing rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday. 

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The two giants meet in a DStv Premiership match dubbed the Soweto Derby and is the most anticipated clash on the local football calendar. 

Hlanti’s injury does not only affect Amakhosi where he was beginning to be an influential part of the team, but Bafana Bafana as well. He had been picked for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana. 

“Hlanti tore his Achilles tendon today (Thursday). He is going to be out for a few months,” announced Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter during a media conference ahead of the derby. 

“You can wish that you will have a full squad to select from, but that’s not how it is. The boys we’ve been working with have done a great job.”

Hlanti joined Amakhosi from Swallows FC at the beginning of the current season. Baxter is expected to turn into youngster Sibusiso Mabiliso to fill the gap left by Hlanti. Or, he could use Reeve Frosler who has proved to be versatile over the past few months.