Siphamandla Hleza played with an injury

Kaizer Chiefs will need extended time to heal from this. The Nedbank Cup loss to Milford FC was unthinkable, and the star of the match, goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza, was not even fully fit.

NEDBANK CUP: KAIZER CHIEFS 0-0 (4-5) MILFORD FC

Unlike rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Amakhosi will not be in the Nedbank Cup final 16.

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Chiefs hosted the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) club on Sunday evening at FNB. The result after 120 minutes was a goalless draw.

Penalty shootouts further resulted in a 4-5 loss to Amakhosi. Edson Castillo missed the second spot kick, before Milford’s keeper Siphamandla Hleza scored the winner and was awarded the Man of the Match.

120’ (After Penalties) | #CHI 0 (4) : 0 (5) #MIL

Full time score: Kaizer Chiefs 0 (4) : 0 (5) Milford FC#Amakhosi4Life #NedbankCup #Khosified pic.twitter.com/Guhw8gcoyI

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 25, 2024

SIPHAMANDLA HLEZA WAS INJURED

Speaking to the media after the game, Hleza’s coach revealed that the versatile star was injured.

“It’s a pity that you guys only get to see him now; I have known him for years; he is insane,” said Milford coach Dr Xhanti Pupuma via FARPost.

“He [Hleza] is a typical modern goalkeeper; he can even play as a striker if he wants to. So, he makes us complete. Believe it or not, he is actually playing injured; he injured his finger on Monday.

“But we rested him for the week because, without him, we are not really the same, we don’t look the same, we don’t play like we want to play, so tonight [Sunday], he just showed everybody else what I already know.

“I’m glad; I’m happy for him; I want him to enjoy this moment; it’s been coming. I mean, he has been through a lot, but he is a boy I know from way back; I’m super happy for him,” Dr Pupuma concluded.