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Masandawana’s mentor posted an update on the club’s injuries and health issues as they prepare for the Gauteng Derby.
Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has indicated that some of their key players are not yet available due to a variety of injuries and illnesses.
Hlompho Kekana and Kermit Erasmus have missed Masandawana’s last three matches, while Themba Zwane was notably absent against Lamontville Golden Arrows and Jwaneng Galaxy.
However, Rhulani Mokwena remains optimistic that they will present a strong team when they face the Orlando Pirates in a mouthwatering Premier Soccer League (PSL) game on Saturday.
“The state of the team regarding the unavailability of certain players has not changed, we are still struggling a bit with certain players when it comes to injuries and many other medical conditions,” Mokwena told the club’s media team.
“Because we must be extremely careful and extremely sensitive because we are still in the midst of the pandemic and any signs of illness and any other potential related problems are taken seriously and with the advice of our doctors.
“We try to comply with the caution and red flags raised by our medical department. It also allays the fears and concerns of Masandawana, who think we are manipulating the team too much.”
The Tshwane Giants have a formidable squad with depth and Mokwena has been pleased with midfielder Mothobi Mvala’s scoring form.
International Bafana Bafana scored on his debut against Arrows in a PSL match on December 19, before scoring again in the Caf Champions League clash with the Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana on December 22.
“Of course it may seem like that, but at certain times our hands are really forced to play certain cards,” Mokwena continued.
“The absence of some players gives other players an opportunity. We have seen how Mothobi Mvala has emerged.
“Mothobi has scored two goals in two games and raised his hand to say ‘I have the ability to play for Mamelodi Sundowns’ and he has shown it,” he added.
“So sometimes another man’s poison is another man’s meat. We just have to keep making sure we put in the best 11 possible and put our focus on the game against the Orlando Pirates.”
Sundowns will host Gauteng rivals the Pirates at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 venue, the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
