The hard working midfielder picked up the injury during Chiefs 1-1 come-from-behind draw against Moroka Swallows this past Saturday. Incidentally Schalkwyk got the goal. He headed home a David Mathebula free kick in the second half to give Chiefs a valuable point.

Schalkwyk’s injury is a massive blow for the Amakhosi as he is looked upon as one of the kingpins to lead the charge for a third consecutive Castle Premiership title.

Last season he saw little action on the field after joining the champions from Wits University. Former Chiefs coach Ted Dumitru preferred the veteran John Moshoeu in the attacking midfied role where Schalkwyk has now bloomed under Middendorp’s guidance.

Schalkwyk scored six goals this season including a brace against Santos whom Chiefs beat 3-1 in Cape Town. His contributions have helped Chiefs stay on top of the Premiership table.

Chiefs’ physiotherapist David Milner examined Schalkwyk on Sunday and confirmed the worst. “At this point his injury does not look good and I can not say how long he will be out for, but the initial diagnosis is not good news for us. We will send him for further tests and see what comes out of it,” Milner said.

Middendorp, though concerned about Schalkwyk’s loss, believes his squad have ample armoury in reserve to maintain their challenge for a third league title and the Absa Cup. Chiefs face the Mvela Golden League’s City Pillars in a last-16 Absa Cup clash at Soccer City on Saturday.

by Yusuf Muhammed

edited by Shahied Joseph