Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has confirmed that there will be late fitness tests for a couple of players ahead of their important CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly on Saturday.
The South African champions are without the services of Sphelele Mkhulise and Bongani Zungu, who are both likely to return in about two weeks. Additionally, there are doubts over the availability of Rivaldo Coetzee and Mosa Lebusa for the match against the Egyptian giants.
Having struggled with injury this season, Lebusa has enjoyed game time in recent weeks, playing 90 minutes in matches against Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch in the DStv Premiership, as well as in the Nedbank Cup against Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants. Coetzee, meanwhile, has only made three appearances this season after returning from a long layoff, playing 90 minutes in the league Stellenbosch and then coming on as a substitute in the Nedbank Cup matches.
Speaking at a press conference at Chloorkop on Thursday, Mokwena said: “There’s a couple of late fitness tests for a couple of people because of the load over the past couple of weeks. We have to manage the situation with Mosa. We have to manage the situation with Rivaldo.”
Sundowns currently sit second in Group B of the Champions League, two points behind leaders Al Hilal with a game in hand. A victory against Ahly at Loftus on Saturday would take them to the top of the standings and would all but confirm their spot in the quarterfinals.
We are back for another action-packed battle in the TotalEnergiesCAFCL! Arrive on Saturday or any Sundowns regalia to get free access!
Al Ahly
11 March
⏰ 15H00
Loftus Versfeld
CAF CL
SS 208Sundowns TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/VzrT4zK61f
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 9, 2023
