Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has shut down rumours that Siphesihle Ndlovu was "hidden" to avoid a Soweto Derby suspension. With Amakhosi looking to break a five-game losing streak against Orlando Pirates, every selection counts. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has dismissed suggestions that Siphesihle Ndlovu was rested ahead of the Soweto Derby, insisting his absence in their goalless draw against Polokwane City FC was purely tactical.
Amakhosi were held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, a result that brought an end to their five-match winning streak — their best run since the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp. Ndlovu, who has been a key figure during that resurgence, was notably left out of the match-day squad, sparking speculation that Chiefs were managing his involvement ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.
The midfielder — a former Buccaneer with 67 appearances for Pirates between 2019 and 2023 — is currently one booking away from suspension, further fuelling the theory that he was being protected. Kaze, however, rejected that narrative.
“It was just a tactical decision [to leave Ndlovu out of the match-day team] because we believed that in this game, based on how Polokwane play, Cele was better suited for this game,” he explained.
In Ndlovu’s place, Thabo Cele was handed a rare start — his first in the league since November — alongside Lebohang Maboe in midfield.
Despite the disruption, Chiefs still controlled large spells but lacked the cutting edge to secure victory, something Kaze has already flagged as an area needing improvement ahead of the derby.
The timing of the fixture adds further intrigue.
Chiefs head into the Soweto Derby looking to end a difficult run against their rivals, having lost their last five league meetings — Pirates’ best-ever winning streak in this fixture.
Beyond pride, there is also significant context on the table, with Amakhosi aiming to solidify their grip on third place while Pirates remain locked in a tense title race.
Away from selection debates, Kaze also provided an encouraging update on long-term absentee Rushwin Dortley.
The defender has been sidelined for over a year following a serious knee injury sustained toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with complications delaying his recovery.
“That’s a question that will probably be directed to the medical team. But last week he started to touch the ball, and I am pretty sure that he’s not far from returning,” said Kaze.
While his return would be a major boost for Chiefs, it also comes amid a race against time for international recognition, with Hugo Broos expected to finalise his Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For now, though, all focus shifts to the derby — where selection decisions, form and fine margins are set to collide on the biggest stage.