Faiz Abraham from Kaizer Chiefs has received a chance to prove himself due to Langelile Phili's injury. Phili's eight-week absence may allow Abraham to have a greater impact in the Amakhosi squad, starting with the match against Siwelele in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.
Phili, who impressed after his move from Stellenbosch, was ruled out last week with an ankle injury, creating an additional problem for coach Fernando Da Cruz in the attacking line. The twenty-one-year-old player quickly established himself as an important element for Chiefs, scoring a goal against Mamelodi Sundowns and receiving the man of the match award against Sekhukhune United.
Now, Phili's absence provides an opportunity for Abraham, who also came from Stellenbosch, to make his mark. Abraham debuted for Chiefs on Wednesday in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw against Richards Bay, coming on as a substitute in the final 24 minutes at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The quick winger was used as an inverted right winger, and Da Cruz tasked him with helping Chiefs overcome a 2-1 deficit. One fan noted: 'Faiz Abraham brings something different to the team. These early crosses need a real target man in the box. With a striker like Flavio, the instruction should simply be to stay in the box and attack those crosses.'
Abraham stated that the coach instructed him to come on and create chances for the team to get back into the game. He added: 'I think I created several moments where we could have scored, so I am satisfied with how I played.' Although Chiefs ultimately managed to secure a point thanks to Siphesile Ndlovu's late goal, Abraham felt his performance deserved more.
The twenty-one-year-old player came onto the field just a few weeks after joining Chiefs from Stellenbosch on a one-year loan with an option to make it permanent. Since Phili will be sidelined until around October, Abraham has a chance to establish himself in Da Cruz's plans. This could begin against Siwelele, especially given Chiefs' desire to maintain a positive start to the campaign in the league.
Abraham has already demonstrated to Da Cruz his ability to provide width, creativity, and a different profile in attack, but the winger needs to continue developing his initial appearance with the team. He emphasized: 'I will just work as hard as I can to maintain a high standard every week. Consistency is the most important thing.' He concluded: 'You have to be in top form every time you step onto the pitch.'