Baron’s career, and in particular since joining Chiefs in January 2005, has been dogged by various injuries. His delay in making his debut immediately upon joining Chiefs was related to an injury he was suffering from at the time. He did eventually make his debut earlier in the season when he came on as a substitute in a league game against Bloemfontein Celtic for the injured Rowen Fernandez.

In total he has played thirteen times for Amakhosi this season and has been impressive in all of his outings in goal, particularly when Chiefs ran out victorious on two occasions in the league against Orlando Pirates. Emile’s latest setback has been new damage to an old shoulder injury he had picked up on his right shoulder a few years ago.

Chiefs physiotherapist David Milner explains further “what has happened is that he did once before injure his right shoulder and he has now aggravated the old injury but the damage to the shoulder is different to what it was before”.

With the current news Emile is aware that he will play no part when Chiefs take on arc rivals Orlando Pirates in next week’s ABSA Cup Final, saying, “I have had problems with my shoulder before and it is sad that this injury comes ahead of a big cup final”.

The Chiefs medical team have confirmed that once the operation is completed Emile is expected to be out of action for at least three months and he will return to training some time in August.