Kaizer Chiefs news and rumours: Mendes, Phili, Dortley

Today’s Kaizer Chiefs news wrap looks at the latest on top prospects, long-term injuries and those returning from minor setbacks soon.

Kaizer Chiefs expect big things from Mendes after COSAFA exploits

Chiefs Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo believes 18-year-old sensation Steven Mendes already possesses the maturity and raw ability to represent the Chiefs first team. Mendes won the Golden Boot at the recent COSAFA U20 tournament in Maputo, Mozambique. Mendes, nominally a midfielder, was converted into a striker for the event.

Latest Chiefs injury news

First-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen will miss up to six weeks with a knee injury he sustained in training. Meanwhile, versatile attacker Wandile Duba will miss a few weeks with a hip and groin issue. New Chiefs signing Lebohang Maboe was forced off during the second half of their 0-0 stalemate with Golden Arrows. The severity of his injury is unclear, but it’s a blow for both club and player, who pulled out of the Bafana squad to face Guinea and Eritrea. The 32-year-old playmaker has two goals and two assists from seven Betway Premiership outings this term. Talented attacker Langelihle Phili is also out long-term with an ankle problem but could return in mid-October. Encouragingly, the 24-year-old central defender hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since sustaining a serious knee injury in March 2025. However, he was on the bench for the 0-0 stalemate against Golden Arrows.

Will Dortley be a key player for Chiefs when he returns to full fitness? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂