Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has given a timeline on when attacker Lehlohonolo Mojela is expected to make a return from injury.
Mojela suffered an injury setback a few months after signing with Stellies from TS Galaxy at the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
Upon his arrival in the Western Cape, the skilful forward quickly established himself as one of the key players at Stellenbosch.
The 28-year-old scored six goals in his first nine appearances for Stellenbosch across all competitions. Mojela played a massive role when Stellenbosch reached the MTN8 final earlier in the season, where they lost 3-1 against Orlando Pirates.
Mojela last played for the Winelands-based outfit on October 5, 2024, in the MTN8 final. In that match, the former Casric Stars winger scored the opening goal for Stellenbosch but Pirates came from a goal down to score three goals.
BARKER PREDICTS APRIL/MAY FOR MOJELA’S RETURN FROM INJURY
Steve Barker has revealed that Mojela feels that he should be ready to play competitive matches in March. However, the experienced coach says the talented player might be back in April or May.
Barker further admitted that another possibility is that Mojela might not be ready to play a part in the current season.
“Bradley [Mojela] is upbeat; he says he wants to play in March, but realistically, it’s a 50/50 whether he gets into the park this season. If so, it will be late April or maybe May, but then again, when you get to that stage, you risk it for two or three games as opposed to waiting for the next season,” said Barker during Stellies’ Nedbank Cup media open day on Tuesday at the Lentelus Sportsground.
“I think where we are in the league and how he’s feeling, there’s a slim opportunity that he could still play any part this season.”
Stellenbosch are set to face Polokwane City FC in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at the Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Barker’s troops head into the PLK City tie with injury concerns to Thato Khiba, Sanele Barns, Ashley Cupido, Kazie Godswill Enyinnaya, and Shaakir Ahmed.
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