Mamelodi Sundowns star will undergo a late fitness test

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has revealed that four players will miss the MTN 8 final with injury.

Sipho Mbule is a long-term absence and Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko and Bathusi Aubaas are all out of contention for the starting lineup.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder to undergo late fitness test

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Mokwena added that Lucas Ribeiro, who has laid on two assists in the MTN 8 campaign, will undergo a late fitness test.

“With regards to injury update, there’s a lot of work being done by the medical team which is very good, from the sports science perspective,” Mokwena said in a chat with the club’s media team. 

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“We have only got a serious injury with Sipho Mbule, who is still out. Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko and Bathusi Aubaas are also out, they won’t make it. Lucas Ribeiro will do a late fitness test, so that’s more or less what we have, and the rest are okay.

“There is a possibility of one or two players making it out of the injury list. We have to wait until the final minute to rule anyone out. It’s an important game, we need everybody. The medical team will do the best they can.”

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Orlando Pirates are no joke

Mokwena warned that Sundowns could not afford to be complacent against Orlando Pirates.

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“We have to get silverware but this time around we have to get it from the defending champions so we know that we come into the game playing against the champions and it puts a lot of demand on us,” Mokwena added. 

“This is what cup competitions are about. The players have done exceptionally well to put the team in the final and now we just have to work for one more game. We have to make sure we start cup competitions on a good note,” he said.

He continued and said: “Orlando Pirates are a difficult opponent with very good players on the pitch and an opponent that’s playing its third cup final as a group, so we know and understand the magnitude of the assignment and we have to focus.”