Rulani gives update on Mokoena’s injury after missing Esperance clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has given an update on Teboho Mokoena, who missed the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Esperance due to injury.

Masandawana were handed a 1-0 defeat away from home by the Tunisian giants at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi.

Brazilian midfielder Yan Sasse scored the only goal of the match to give the North Africans an advantage heading to the second that will take place on Friday, 26 April at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Mokoena was among the players who were ruled out for the clash in Tunis. He picked up a hamstring injury in the DStv Premiership match against Moroka Swallows at the beginning of the week.

According to Rulani Mokwena, the midfielder was “almost ready” for the action. However, he stated they elected to keep him due to the schedule they are facing.

RULANI MOKWENA SAYS TEBOHO MOKOENA WAS ‘ALMOST READY’ FOR ESPERANCE CLASH

“Teboho Mokoena was almost ready, but we didn’t want to take that risk because of the schedule that we have going forward,” said Mokwena after the game. 

“But we will see how it goes.”

Meanwhile, Sundowns gaffer Mokwena says he was proud of his men despite the loss in the first leg.

‘I DON’T REMEMBER A TEAM DOMINATING ESPERANCE LIKE WE DID’

“I’m extremely proud of the effort of my players, I thought we were brave on the ball,” he added.

“I thought we defended very well, I thought we suffered together in moments when we had to suffer against a very good team.

“And when I watched the games of Esperance…Club Africain, Al Hilal, Asec [Mimosas]. I don’t remember a team dominating Esperance here at home like we did.”

Bafana Ba Style will be looking to bounce back on Friday in front of the yellow nation in Pretoria in the upcoming week.

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