Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siphelele Mkhulise is set to miss the CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly this weekend, which could hamper his chances of making Hugo Broos’ final squad for the upcoming Bafana Bafana qualifiers. Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed the news during a press conference at Chloorkop on Thursday.
Mkhulise has been in impressive form for Sundowns this season, forcing his way into the starting line-up and earning a place in the preliminary squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia. However, Mokwena revealed that Mkhulise has been ruled out for this weekend’s clash against Al Ahly and is about a week or two from making a return.
Another player who has been ruled out of the clash against Al Ahly is Bongani Zungu. Mokwena said: “We have a healthy squad at the moment. Mkhulise picked up a knock in Cairo so he should still be out for some times. Bongani Zungu picked up a knock against Marumo Gallants, so he is out for another two weeks or so. It’s not something too serious, fortunately.”
The Sundowns coach also gave an update on the fitness of Rushine de Reuck, who has been ruled out with a concussion and a pulled muscle. “The medical department profiles it better than me, but we should expect him out for quite some time,” said Mokwena.
Mokwena also revealed that Lebo Maboe and Nasir are both on the pitch, even though they are doing isolated training, while Lesedi Kapinga has returned to full fitness after picking up an injury a couple of weeks ago.
