Kaizer Chiefs will use the upcoming FIFA international break to gradually integrate new winger Elias Mokwana into the squad. Head coach Fernando da Cruz confirmed the 27-year-old free agent signing will not be rushed into action, starting with him watching from the stands this weekend.
The club officially announced Mokwana's arrival on Wednesday, but he will not be available for selection for Sunday's Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Da Cruz explained that the player, who has not played a competitive match since May, requires a period of assessment and conditioning.
Coach outlines integration plan
Fernando da Cruz stated the integration will happen step by step during the international window. "Elias Mokwana is a very good player, an experienced player with international experience, he has a lot of quality," the coach said. He warned supporters that Mokwana may have to wait longer before seeing action, with the 2026/27 season set as the target for his full integration into the team. The coach's immediate plan involves Mokwana undertaking specific work with the technical staff, focusing on building his match fitness through individualized goal minutes in training before he is considered for selection.
Career trajectory and squad context
Mokwana brings experience from spells with Tunisian giants Espérance, a loan in Saudi Arabia with Al Hazem, and 65 appearances for Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership, where he contributed six goals and seven assists. He also has 11 caps for Bafana Bafana. His arrival adds to a position where Kaizer Chiefs already have six wingers, providing critical depth as the team sits fifth in the standings with 14 points from nine games.
The team's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five outings, including a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates last week. Following the cup match, the team's next fixture is a DStv Premiership encounter away to seventh-placed Chippa United on November 28. Mokwana will wear the number 14 jersey as he begins his work with the technical team during the break, aiming to contribute to the club's push for a top-four finish. The coach emphasized that the player's integration is a long-term project, with the upcoming break and subsequent training blocks key for reaching the required physical levels for the demanding domestic schedule.
First reported at iol.co.za
