Bongani Khumalo admits that Bernard Parker was fearful of his career after being on the end of a horror tackle in the Carling Knockout Cup clash.
Parker suffered a potential broken leg following a tackle by Bongani Zungu, who was subsequently dismissed during the tie.
TS Galaxy emerged as winners against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round clash with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a 2-2 draw.
The Rockets had taken a two-goal lead at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday through Sphiwe Mahlangu and Mlungisi Mbunjana.
Marcelo Allende pulled a goal back for Downs before Bongani Zungu’s red card, but a goal from Gaston Sirino took the tie to extra-time.
Speaking after the match, the former Bafana Bafana defender revealed what Parker said to him after the tackle.
Mokoena recalled Parker saying: “It may mean the end of my career.”
He continued on SuperSport: “I told him that I’ve been through something similar and I told that this is not the end.
“I told him that he’s got a book, he’s got a book that he’s released – I said ‘my brother this is another chapter in your book. This is how you keep our generation alive. You kept us believing, you stayed on for so long, this is not the end.
“Focus on recovery – yes, there will be an operation, I’m pretty sure of it. From there focus on recovery and your strength, after that you go back to what you love doing, which is playing football.”