Mmodi ruled out: Kaizer Chiefs to face Stellenbosch without key attacker as Nabi reshuffles the deck

Chiefs dealt early blow as Pule Mmodi ruled out of Stellenbosch clash

Kaizer Chiefs’ season hasn’t even kicked off yet and already they’ve hit a speed bump. The club’s new head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, confirmed that star winger Pule Mmodi will miss their PSL opener against Stellenbosch FC this Sunday at Athlone Stadium — and it’s a loss the Tunisian tactician isn’t taking lightly.

“We are ready, but we are regretting the absence of Pule Mmodi,” Nabi admitted ahead of the game. “He is an important player for us.”

Mmodi was handed a suspension following a red card in the final match of last season against Sekhukhune United. With no appeals or leniency granted, the attacker will watch from the sidelines as his teammates take the field without him in what’s already shaping up to be a high-pressure season.

Redemption season begins — without one of Chiefs’ most dangerous weapons

After finishing a disappointing ninth last season — a far cry from the club’s title-challenging ambitions — Amakhosi enter the 2025/26 campaign under new leadership with high expectations. For many fans, this season represents a chance to hit reset, especially after the Nabi appointment stirred a sense of cautious optimism.

Sunday’s clash against a sharp-looking Stellies side, fresh from qualifying for the MTN8 semi-finals, won’t be easy. And doing it without Mmodi adds even more weight to an already tricky opening fixture.

Who steps up in Mmodi’s absence?

With Mmodi unavailable, attention turns to the squad’s depth. DR Congo international Glody Lilepo could slot in on the left, while young Wandile Duba may get a nod on the right. There’s also the possibility of Gaston Sirino being unleashed in a more advanced role, depending on Nabi’s preferred setup.

Fans have been vocal on social media, with many calling this a “big test of squad depth” and others excited to see what Lilepo can do under the spotlight.

History favours the Chiefs — but this is a new chapter

Kaizer Chiefs did the double over Stellenbosch in last season’s league fixtures and knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup too. But those were different times, under a different coach, with a different script.

For Nabi, it’s not just about the result on Sunday — it’s about setting the tone. A win would not only calm nerves but also give supporters a glimpse of the new-look Chiefs and the game plan that might just bring the glory days back to Naturena.

Final whistle

While Pule Mmodi’s absence is a blow, the bigger question is whether Chiefs can show early signs of resurgence under Nabi. A strong performance against a confident Stellenbosch outfit could signal that this season might just be different.

And if there’s one thing South African football fans know all too well — never count out the underdogs, or a reinvented giant hungry to reclaim its throne.

Source:GOAL.com

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