Sundowns sweat over injuries ahead of Nedbank Cup final

Mamelodi Sundowns have a few worries ahead of their Nedbank Cup final clash against Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday.

The Tshwane giants are in pursuit of another piece of silverware, just a week after claiming the league title last weekend. Victory over Phunya Sele Sele will see them complete the domestic treble, having also added the Telkom Knockout to their collection.

Mamelodi Sundowns issue injury update 

However, what has been a lengthy league campaign has taken its toll on several members of Pitso Mosimane’s squad.

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Mosa Lebusa both did not feature in the latter stages of the season, while midfielder Andile Jali sat out the final league fixture against Black Leopards.

Another player said to be nursing a niggle is star playmaker Gaston Sirino, who played the full 90 minutes against Lidoda Duvha, while defender Ricardo Nascimento is also a doubt for Saturday’s game.

Mosimane told the media on Friday that injuries were to be expected at this stage of the season.

“We have a few niggling injures, which is normal. When you come from a battle, you come out with wounded soldiers and deep scars. So we rested a few guys that are not yet back from injury. Sirino has a niggling injury, we don’t know if he’ll make it.

“Denis is training well, so hopefully he’s okay. Mosa has not started training, probably [soon] you never know. It’s just minor knocks when you come from a game, but nothing big.

“Ricardo has a wrist that’s also giving him problems, that’s why he’s been playing with a wrist band. But I don’t know, we should be okay by Saturday.”

Pitso Mosimane

Mosimane added that 35-year-old captain Hlompho Kekana, who featured in all but 15 minutes of play since the PSL restart, was given a bit of time off in training.

Sundowns and Celtic lock horns at Orlando Stadium, with the game kicking off at 20:00 (SAST).