Mamelodi Sundowns’ injury crisis is easing up as five first-team stars are nearing a return to competitive action.
The Tshwane giant will face Kaizer Chiefs in a mouth-watering first-leg MTN8 semi-final encounter on Saturday at FNB Stadium. (15:00).
Rulani Mokwena’s men started the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season like a house on fire after winning all their opening six games in the league.
Masandawana beat Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Richards Bay FC and Polokwane City to sit comfortably at the summit of the log with 18 points.
In addition, Sundowns will be looking to improve on the disappointment of last season’s MTN8 loss to Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians lost 3-1 on aggregate in a two-legged semi-final to Pirates, who went on to win the trophy after beating AmaZulu FC in the final.
With Sundowns losing a couple of key players due to injuries early in the season, Mokwena has given a positive update on his stars.
RULANI MOKWENA PROVIDES UPDATE INJURED SUNDOWNS STARS
“It looks a lot better in terms of injuries; it’s good to see some of the players even though they’re not at a point where they are available to return to play,” said Mokwena.
“The process is that you start with the biokinetics and physio, then finish with the rehabilitation. And then granted a greenlight to start with the training. What that means is that I saw players who were on the injury list back on the green grass.
“But many of them are not yet ready for selection. It was good to see Rushine De Reuck having boots on post-surgery, and he was on the green pitch.
“Thapelo Morena has now started running alongside side Thapelo Maseko. Nasir Abubeker is off cratches, so he’s now beginning a little bit of work to be inducted into training, but that will also be a gradual process.
“Peter Shalulile is also on the green grass, which is a good sign, but it’s marginal gains and progress but not meaningful in the sense that he’s still not available for selection.
“We got a little bit of scarce in training yesterday(Wednesday) with Sipho Mbule, who felt a little bit of pain and swelling on his knee.”
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