Are injuries forcing Sundowns to sign new striker? Rulani answers

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has spoken on whether his side needs to sign a new striker as they’re struggling with injuries upfront.

The Brazilians maintained their perfect start to the season after beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday.

Sundowns opened their campaign with with a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United last Friday at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sundowns proved to be wasteful in front of goals after their talisman Shalulile missed a handful of goal scoring opportunities.

The Namibian international was the only out-and-out striker in the Sundowns’ matchday squad as the futures of Thabiso Kutumela and Gift Motupa remain uncertain at the club.

In addition, Masandawana loaned out Etiosa Ighodaro to SuperSport United after he scored 11 goals in all competions for Chippa United last season.

Asked if his charges are looking to add a striker to complement Shalulile, Mokwena suggested that Sundowns should be fine when some of their key players return from respective injuries.

RULANI MOKWENA SHED LIGHT ON SUNDOWNS’ STRIKING FORCE

“We need Abubeker Nasir to return from injury, we need Thapelo Morena to return from injury. Then we will have a little bit of caution in that space,” said Mokwena.

“We also have a situation with Kutumela, we need to clarify that also. So there’s really no urgency in this situation.

“So maybe the word ‘need’ is much of a stronger word, of course we lost Cassius Mailula and it’s highlighted by the fact that we have injuries to Nasir and Morena. Once we over the injuries, we’ll be quite strong in that position.”

The Brazilians will shift their focus to the MTN8 when they face Moroka Swallows at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

On the other hand, Swallows come to this encounter at the back of a league defeat against Cape Town City on Wednesday at Dobsonville Stadium.

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