When will Etiosa Ighodaro make his debut for Kaizer Chiefs?

When will Etiosa Ighodaro make his debut for Kaizer Chiefs?

The wait continues for Kaizer Chiefs fans eagerly anticipating the first appearance of their new striker, Etiosa Ighodaro. A frustrating series of setbacks has delayed the player's official debut since his high-profile move from Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

Providing a glimpse into the situation, second assistant coach Cedric Kaze has now offered an update on the striker's recovery and a potential timeline for his long-awaited introduction to the pitch.

Ighodaro's journey to Chiefs was complicated from the start. He initially missed the crucial pre-season period, entangled in a reported transfer dispute between the two Gauteng clubs. Just as that was resolved, misfortune struck again in the form of a training ground injury, further pushing back his debut.

When will Etiosa Ighodaro & Ethan Chislett start playing for Kaizer Chiefs? Cedric Kaze issues update

“Ighodaro is injured, but the medical department promised us [his imminent return]. He started this week to train with the group without contact,” Kaze said as per iDiski Times.… pic.twitter.com/oy39cT1eq2

— GOAL South Africa (@GOALcomSA) September 28, 2025

A beacon of hope has finally emerged for the eager Kaizer Chiefs faithful regarding the prolonged absence of striker Etiosa Ighodaro. Team official Cedric Kaze has now provided a tangible timeline, indicating that the much-anticipated debut could materialize shortly after the upcoming October FIFA international break.

The update arrived on the heels of a tense victory, where Chiefs secured their advance in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round after a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout against Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP at FNB Stadium this past Saturday.

“If I’m not mistaken, Mayo won’t be able to play until the group stage, Ighodaro until the group stage, Maboe as well."

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has given an update on Etiosa Ighodaro and revealed the club's registration dilemma for the CAF Confederation Cup.… pic.twitter.com/eCecqCnp9G

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) September 28, 2025

Addressing the media post-match, Kaze shed light on the striker's road to recovery. "Ighodaro has been injured," Kaze stated, before offering the encouraging news from the medical team, "[that he will return fro the setback soon]." He further elaborated on the current phase of rehabilitation, noting, "He has been training with the group without contact. We’re hoping that after the FIFA break, he will be ready to go."

With this continental hurdle cleared, the Amakhosi now immediately pivot their attention back to domestic duties. The squad is determined to break a two-match winless streak in the league as they prepare to host AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, 01 October at FNB Stadium in Soweto.