Kaizer Chiefs’ fourth-choice goalkeeper, Bontle Molefe, has been a notable absentee for AmaKhosi this season.
Chiefs tied the youth academy product to a new contract early in the year. The youth international put pen to paper on a lengthy deal, an indication that he is earmarked for the future.
The budding goalminder, behind Brandon Petersen, Itumeleng Khune, and Bruce Bvuma in the pecking order, is seen as a future prospect.
The 20-year-old goalie’s pathway is a testament to the DStv Premiership club’s unmatched reputation for producing quality keepers.
Khune, in the twilight of his career, came through the club’s ranks from age 12 and is arguably the most successful goalkeeper in Chiefs’ history.
The Soweto-born Molefe, part of the first team since the Ernst Middendorp era, still awaits his senior team debut.
Together with Mduduzi Shabalala, they travelled to Belgium in April 2022 for a month-long trial with Royal Antwerp.
Why Molefe has been missing in action?
However, due to a wrist injury, Molefe has not participated in the club’s activities this season.
“He’s nursing a wrist injury and is going through rehab. He will be out for a while,” a source said.
Chiefs’ coach Molefi Ntseki recently welcomed Ranga Chivaviro, Keagan Dolly, Edmilson Dove and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo from injury.
The quartet has been away nursing different injuries and should be available after the international break.
In fact, Chivaviro, Dolly and Ngcobo all featured in a midweek friendly match against Tuks. Dove sat on the bench when Mozambique booked a spot in the 2023 AFCON after beating Benin 3-2 on Saturday.
It signals that the Chiefs man is close to returning to playing after missing the first few games of the season.
The only player Ntseki is unlikely to have after the break is Molefe, who continues recovering from the sidelines.
“Hopefully, when we come back from the FIFA week, we’ll have a full squad, and all the players will be available,” Ntseki said recently.
Molefe’s absence leaves Chiefs with three fit goalkeepers, and Ntseki will be content with his options.
Petersen has maintained the number one position, starting all matches this season, while Bvuma and Khune have taken turns to deputise him.
Molefe has featured for the U17, 20 and 23 national teams and is undoubtedly one for the future.
