Kaizer Chiefs Youngster Thulani Mabaso Suffers Major Injury Blow Ahead of New Season

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thulani Mabaso has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026/27 season after a serious injury ruled him out of the club’s pre-season tour to Spain, raising concerns that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The African Chronicle has established that the 22-year-old sustained the injury before the squad departed for Spain, where Amakhosi are preparing for the new campaign. Although the club has yet to confirm the nature of the injury, sources say it is serious enough to keep the promising midfielder out of action for an extended period.

“There are too many players there. Some senior players didn’t travel. Some are injured. Thulani Mabaso didn’t go either. He is injured, very badly injured. He will be out for a while,” a source close to the club told the Siya crew.

The injury is a major blow for Mabaso, who was hoping to build on the progress he made after breaking into the senior team last season. Having captained Amakhosi’s DStv Diski Challenge side, the midfielder earned promotion to the first team and went on to make three appearances in the Betway Premiership.

With a new technical team taking charge ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the pre-season tour presented an important opportunity for Mabaso to impress and strengthen his case for more regular first-team football. Instead, he now faces a lengthy rehabilitation period as he works towards a return to action.

Kaizer Chiefs have not yet issued an official update on the midfielder’s condition or provided an estimated recovery timeline. His absence is nevertheless a setback for both the player and the club as preparations for the new season gather pace.