By Michael Madyira
There are concerns that several Mamelodi Sundowns players who returned from international duty with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations might not be ready to play in Saturday’s Premier Soccer League match against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld.
The PSL log leaders sent 10 players to Bafana’s Afcon campaign and six of them have returned to Chloorkop with injuries.
“We have a few concerns with the Bafana Bafana players,” said Masandawana coach Rhulani Mokwena.
“We’ve got a couple of players that came back with injuries and that could delay their return because we have to deal with rehabilitation.
“We have concerns with Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau and Ronwen Williams,” he said.
Mokwena is also worried about the psychological state of his players because he thinks reaching the Afcon third-place play-off weighed them down mentally.
“They now have to start with regeneration and the rehabilitation phase because they have to flush out the stress and the pressures of a big tournament like that,” said Mokwena.
“Psychologically there needs to be some work done so they are ready to be competitive again.”
With the Brazilians’ squad known for the depth of its talent, Mokwena might not be too worried about having his international players absent on Saturday.
The Sundowns coach could instead hand debut appearances to new signings Matis Esquivel, Tashreeq Matthews, Matias Esquivel, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Thembinkosi Lorch.
While the Brazilians are worried about their Afcon players, the four Pirates’ players who joined Bafana in Ivory Coast were not mentioned in the club’s injury update on Friday.
Forwards Evidence Makgopa and Zakhele Lepasa, midfielder Thabang Monare, as well as defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, are all ready to start.
January signings Thabiso Lebitso and Thalente Mbatha could also be selected to play.
Sundowns and Pirates last met in October 2023 in the MTN8 final where Pirates prevailed via a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw after extra-time.
The teams also clashed in September, with Masandawana edging their traditional rivals 1-0 in a PSL match at Orlando Stadium.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena.
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
