Sekhukhune United interim coach Paulus Masehe has provided an update on club captain Linda Mntambo’s availability for the final four Betway Premiership games of the season.
The veteran skipper is known to be the heartbeat of Babina Noko, but Masehe’s latest update has cast a definitive and unexpected light on his role for the final stretch of the 2025/26 season.
Mntambo has missed most of the season due to injuries. The 36-year-old was first ruled out for three months after suffering an injury in August 2025. The former Orlando Pirates player suffered yet another knee injury, which has kept him out of action since December 2025.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED COACH ISSUES AN UPDATE ON THEIR CAPTAIN
Masehe has now confirmed that Mntambo, who is on the way to recovery, will play no further part with four matches to go before the season ends.
The Sekhukhune coach was speaking after his men played out to a 1-all draw against Marumo Gallants on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
“With only four matches to go, I think it’s impossible for him to come back into normal fitness and be able to compete. No, it’s not possible at all,” said Masehe.
“Linda, to be honest, is injured. He had an ankle injury that took him out for a while. We are still looking at how far it’s going to take for him to get better and get back into the game.”
LINDA MNTAMBO’S EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP MISSED AT BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SIDE
Masehe also admitted that the club missed their captain’s experience, especially at this stage of the season, with the club fighting for a top-three finish – a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“Most definitely, Linda and his experience are irreplaceable. But we are expecting the ones that we have now to take over and make sure that they give us the results because it’s an opportunity given to them to give us positive results,” he added.
“But unfortunately, you will always miss that kind of experience at this time of the season.”
Sekhukhune will shift their focus to struggling side Chippa United when they travel to the Eastern Cape on 5 May. They will then face Kaizer Chiefs at home on 10 May. Their last two matches will be against Richards Bay FC and Siwelele FC.
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