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Maluleka boost for Amakhosi

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter admits he is delighted to have the "instrumental" George Maluleka back to full fitness ahead of Saturday's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder only recently returned to training following a month on the sidelines with a groin injury, but he is now fit and firing and available for selection for this weekend's FNB Stadium encounter.

Maluleka's return follows hot on the heels of Bernard Parker's comeback, giving Baxter a major boost to his attacking options.

"It's a good one for us, Mido (Maluleka) coming back," Baxter told The Sowetan. "Playing our best football at the beginning of the season, he was instrumental.

"Also I've got Parker getting into good shape. And Shabba (Tshabalala), who's gone into that position, has been our best player in some games."

A slight concern for the English tactician is the fact no fewer than five of his first-choice players are currently on international duty with Bafana Bafana, who travel to Nigeria for the final round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Wednesday.

The South Africa Football Association have, however, already chartered flights for those players to return on Thursday morning, although Baxter is still unsure whether the players, namely Brilliant Khuzwayo, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Mandla Masango, will be fit enough to play against the Brazilians.

"The national players come back from Nigeria, landing 36 hours before we play on Saturday. Sundowns have one player [Themba Zwane] in the squad, and we have five. And I have to think seriously if I'll field all of them," Baxter concluded.
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