Vladimir Vermezovic revealed on Thursday that striker; Kaizer Motaung Jr is close to full fitness. He has been missing since the league reopened in February following an extended Christmas break.

Kaizer who has made 108 appearances for the Club made his last appearance this season against AmaZulu in December but could not join his teammates in January due to a back problem.

“Kaizer missed out on the preseason training in January and when he came back he had to start all over again. He has been training now with the rest of the team and is not far from his teammates in terms of fitness.

We will continue to monitor his progress,” revealed Vermezovic speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Nkosinathi “Chippa” Nhleko is hopeful that he will recover in time for the Telkom Knockout clash against Santos in Cape Town on Sunday, 21 March 2010.

The burly striker has started training with his teammates although a decision will be made next week on whether he will be available or not for the tricky tie.