When Kaizer Chiefs play their next match after three weeks, Nasreddine Nabi will have made an informed decision about who gets to replace Inacio Miguel in central defence.
Miguel will not be involved in Chiefs' next two games, against Richards Bay FC (November 27) and Royal AM (November 30) respectively, after being sent off on Saturday.
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This is the second suspension that the Angolan-Portuguese defender is serving having been forced to sit out the game against Magesi FC due to four yellow cards accumulated.
In just six games, the 28-year-old has had four yellow cards and a red card (two yellow cards in one match), raising worries about what damage this will have on his contribution at the club.
That he has been quick in settling in and earning the confidence of being handed the armband will now be forgotten with the way he is frequently in the referee's sin book.
Without Miguel, Nabi's natural choice on the right side of central defence becomes Given Msimango, with Zitha Kwinika as the other right-footed option.
Msimango was given the task against Magesi when Miguel served his one-match suspension and has always been the defender of choice on the bench.
However, on Saturday, he wasn't on the bench when Miguel was sent off, providing a chance for Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to get his first run of the season.
Rushwin Dortley moved to the right in accommodating Ditlhokwe on the left side of central defence.
Based on the fact that Miguel plays on the right side of defence with Dortley on the left, it gives Msimango an advantage in taking over, especially considering that he can also lead having been captain in six games last term.
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Ditlhokwe is left-footed and pairing him with another left footer in Dortley in the centre of defence would be an unusual choice, which could create balance issues in playing from the back.
The Botswana international has been fortunate to remain active with the Zebras throughout his dry spell at Chiefs.
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