The Amakhosi were dealt a cruel blow ahead of their ABSA Cup Final against arch rivals Orlando Pirates to be played later this month, when midfielder Gert Schalkwyk fell awkwardly during training on Thursday morning. The young midfielder lay on the turf writhing in agony before being ushered off to hospital where his injured right foot was x rayed to weigh up the damage.

Initial scans have shown no fractures, but there is a lot of swelling around his ankle and although doctors have said he could be out for three – four weeks, the Chiefs medical team did not want to make any speculations. Commenting on behalf of the Chiefs medical team deputy physiotherapist Lloyd Morgan said “there is a lot of swelling around his ankle, I do not really want to put a time frame on the injury. After looking at the x ray results there is no fracture and that really is good news. Once the swelling comes down, we will have a better idea as to what the prognosis will be”.

When he returned from the hospital, Gert cut a lonely figure in the players changing rooms at the Kaizer Chiefs village, as he sat head in hands contemplating what could be a winter of discontent. He was consoled by the coaching staff as well as by captain Cyril Nzama, who waited long after the training session had ended for him to return from hospital. Gert commenting on the injury said “should I have to miss the ABSA Cup Final because of this injury I will be extremely disappointed, I won’t take this laying down - I will fight this injury and make sure I walk out on to the pitch come the 20th May”.

The Chiefs medical staff has said they will examine Gert later on Friday to see if the swelling around his ankle has subsided and they will then inform the coach as to whether or not he will be available to play.