While Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela thought his three solid new recruits would turn the fortunes of the struggling PSL giants around, disaster struck on Thursday morning ahead of the team's clash with SuperSport United last night.

One of the three new players who have been hailed as saviours, former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela, got injured during his first training session with the Glamour Boys and was rushed to Morningside private clinic in Joburg.

The other players that were lured to Naturena since the transfer window opened on Monday are former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Leonardo Castro and talented midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase from Baroka.

Chiefs physiotherapist David Milner said: "His knee got into a bad position after an unlucky tackle. He's injured a meniscus inside the knee joint. The injury is similar to the one Ramahlwe Mphahlele had.

"We did do his medicals on Wednesday and Thursday before training and he came through his tests without any problems."

Milner added that Mahlasela will see a specialist and undergo more tests tomorrow.

According to sources close to the player and the club, Mahlasela was now hobbling on crutches.

It is understood that he might take up to two months to fully recover from the injury.

Awitness who saw Mahlasela leaving the clinic said the player was in the company of TV sports presenter Tshepo Mabona and another unknown man.

"He could hardly walk and it was clear that he was in pain. Tshepo and the other guy had to support him while he was walking," said the witness.

"It was around midday when I saw them. They were driving in a white VW Polo."

Mahlasela's manager Lwazi Mabona of VIA Sports agency referred all queries to his new club Kaizer Chiefs. "I can confirm that Mahlasela is our client and we look at his affairs, but when it comes to his club duties Kaizer Chiefs are the authority to speak on his behalf," said Mabona.