Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has clarified the recent absence of striker Etiosa Ighodaro from the club’s matchday squads, confirming that the forward is currently sidelined through injury.
Ighodaro is in his first season with Kaizer Chiefs after completing a permanent move from Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. The 24-year-old joined Amakhosi in search of stability following a challenging spell at Sundowns, where he spent much of his contract out on loan despite arriving in 2021 as a highly-rated prospect from Abuja College FC.
During his time on Sundowns’ books, Ighodaro enjoyed loan spells at University of Pretoria FC, Chippa United, SuperSport United and AmaZulu FC, where he regularly showcased his goal-scoring ability.
Since arriving at Naturena, the Nigerian forward has made seven appearances across all competitions, scoring once. However, he has missed Chiefs’ recent fixtures, including two CAF Confederation Cup matches and two league games in 2026.
Speaking about the situation, Kaze revealed that Ighodaro’s absence forms part of a broader injury challenge affecting the squad’s attacking options.
“When we started the second phase of the season, we had many injuries to important offensive players like Glody Lilepo and Gaston Sirino,” said Kaze. “When your key attacking players are injured, it affects the team, but we are confident that we will improve as the season progresses.”
Kaze added that several players are close to returning, including George Matlou, Thabo Cele, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Bradley Cross, and confirmed that Ighodaro is also nearing a comeback.
“Even Ighodaro is injured, but expect him to be available within the next two weeks,” he concluded.