Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping to have Abubeker Nasir available again
before the end of this season, while coach Rulani Mokwena has given an
update on Sphelele Mkhulise ahead of the Nedbank Cup on Thursday.
Nasir has been unlucky with injuries in his first season with the DStv
Premiership champions, which has seen him spend more time off the pitch
than on it. The Ethiopian has been hit by injury on two separate occasions
this season. When he first returned from a layoff, he played 45 minutes
against Orlando Pirates in the final days of 2022, but a clash with
Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane saw him being ruled out since
then.
Mokwena confirmed that the 23-year-old is back on the green grass, but is
not quite ready yet to return to training with the rest of the team.
“Really hope so. He is back on the green grass, but not back in full team
training. But it’s good to see that he is back on the green grass and he
is doing some work with the staff. He is someone that we are also looking
forward to welcoming back and integrating back into training and competing
for a place in the team. It’s going to be tough for him because of the
performances of the players in his position. Fingers crossed that he will
be back very soon,” Mokwena told media during a Nedbank Cup press
conference on Tuesday.
Mokwena also gave an update on other players who are not available for
selection. “Not much has changed from the previous injury list. From the
top of my head, Gaston Sirino is still out, Lebo Maboe is still out, still
Lesedi Kapinga out. Gift Motupa picked up a knock, which still needs to be
assessed on the toe, against Al Ahly. He’s on the medical list. Mkhulise
picked up an injury against Al Ahly and you saw we had to take him off in
the second half. He joins that list. Saavedra is out, even though he is on
the green grass and training in isolation,” Mokwena said.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt a major blow as they hope to have
Abubeker Nasir back in action before the end of the season. The Ethiopian
has been hit by two separate injuries this season, with the most recent
one coming after a clash with Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga
Mpontshane. Coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed that Nasir is back on the green
grass, but is not quite ready yet to return to team training.
Mokwena also gave an update on other players who are not available for
selection. Gaston Sirino, Lebo Maboe, Lesedi Kapinga, Gift Motupa, and
Saavedra are all out due to injury, while Sphelele Mkhulise picked up an
injury against Al Ahly and has been added to the list. Sundowns take on
Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup at Free State Stadium on Thursday.
