Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has provided an update on midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s injury situation.
The 27-year-old has been out of action for nearly four weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 2-2 DStv Premiership draw against Moroka Swallows.
This absence included crucial matches like the two-legged CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance and the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Stellenbosch FC. With Mokoena watching from the stands, Bathusi Aubaas has been filling the void in the midfield.
Mokoena, the reigning Footballer of the Season, has been a vital player for Sundowns throughout the campaign. As a defensive midfielder, he contributes not only defensively but also offensively, having scored five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
While Mokwena reports that Mokoena is nearing recovery, the upcoming Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates is a factor in his return timeline. He says the midfielder would have perhaps gotten back to action if they didn’t have a final ahead of them.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SAVING TEBOHO MOKOENA FOR FINAL
“He’s coming on nicely. Tebza is coming on very nicely, it’s just a matter of risky,” said Rulani Mokwena after their 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows.
“And maybe had we not qualified for the final, he’d probably be playing some of the games now.
“But you’ve got to weigh things up. He’s coming on nicely.”
Sundowns, already crowned 2023/24 champions, still have five league games remaining before the Nedbank Cup final against the Sea Robbers on June 1st at Mbombela Stadium.
ADDITIONAL BLOW AFTER LUCAS RIBEIRO COSTA PULLED HAMSTRING
Adding to Sundowns’ woes, their talismanic forward Lucas Ribeiro limped off with a hamstring injury in the first half of the Golden Arrows match.
The Brazilian forward has scored 16 goals and registered eight assists in 35 matches he has played across all competitions for Sundowns this season.
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