Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed when Ethiopian international Abubeker Nasir will return to action from injury.
While providing Sundowns’ injury update ahead of the MTN8 semi-final first leg showdown against Orlando Pirates, Mngqithi said that Nasir will only be available for the return leg in Tshwane.
Sundowns take on Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Sunday in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.
Both clubs are currently the in-form sides in the DStv Premiership, occupying the first and second place, respectively, on the log standings.
With the Chloorkop-based side seeking to maintain their dominance over Pirates, Mngqithi has shed some light on players’ availability going to the weekend’s fixture.
THE INJURED PLAYERS
“To be honest, we don’t have too many injuries at this stage; we have [Terrence] Mashego, Nasir [Abubeker], who’s been out,” Mngqithi told the media.
“But he’s [Nasir] getting back soon, probably he’ll be available in the second round.
“Mashego is one of our long-term injuries, but otherwise, we are getting everyone else back,”
“Rivaldo[Coetzee] is close to getting back to the team. Bongani Zungu has already shown some minutes,”
“We are hoping he can get an opportunity in this match and deliver a very good game,”
“Boutouil Abdelmounaim is looking very good at training, but it’s probably a case of one or two weeks before he can come into the team,”
“But otherwise, we have a very good bill of health in terms of injuries because a lot of players who were injured came back,”
“Gaston [Sirino] is back, Lebo Maboe is in and out of the team, Mthobi[Mvala] is also in and out of the team, so we are in a very good state compared previous matches,” added Mngqithi.
The Brazilians will be eager to defend their MTN8 title as they were crowned champions last season, completing a treble as they won all the domestic trophies on offer.
Sundowns have had an inconsistent start to the 2022/23 season, which saw them win six games, draw one and lose two times.
