Kaizer Chiefs are facing a growing crisis at left-back, with a series of injuries leaving Fernando da Cruz with limited options as the season enters a demanding period.
The latest setback is Reeve Frosler, who has suffered a Grade 2 hamstring tear and could be sidelined for quite a while. But the versatile fullback is only the latest addition to an already crowded injury list.
Nkanyiso Shinga, Paseka Mako and Bradley Cross are also unavailable, while the young Kabelo Nkgwesa, who had stepped in as another option, has now joined them on the sidelines.
The mounting absences left Da Cruz with little choice but to improvise against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The Frenchman abandoned his usual four-man defensive structure and deployed a five-man backline, with Pule Mmodi operating as an emergency left wing-back in the 1-1 draw.
The tactical switch helped Chiefs remain competitive against the African champions, but it also highlighted the lack of natural options available to Da Cruz.
“All the left-backs are injured,” the coach said after the match.
“We were unlucky in the last few days in the left full-back position. Between the Sekhukhune United game and today (Saturday), we lost two more players to injury, who are Reeve (Frosler) and Kabelo (Nkgwesa).”
The crisis presents Da Cruz with a selection headache but not immediate particularly with the MTN8 semi-finals this weekend affording him a little bit of time alongside a busy Betway Premiership schedule, before they face Richards Bay next week Wednesday in the league.
Frosler’s versatility means his absence is another blow, but the bigger concern for Chiefs is the sheer lack of recognised left-backs available to the coach.
The Sundowns match provided one possible solution, with Mmodi adapting to the wing-back role.
Da Cruz could also consider continuing with the five-man structure or moving another versatile player into the position, depending on the opposition.
Whether the tactical adjustment becomes a regular feature remains to be seen.
For now, however, Chiefs have a clear problem to solve. And with several players unavailable in the same position, Da Cruz’s ability to find a short-term solution could be crucial to keeping Amakhosi competitive on multiple fronts.