Kaizer Chiefs will be without club captain and influential goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for the Carling Black Label Cup final against Orlando Pirates.
Khune missed much of last season with a serious shoulder injury after he was injured at training in a collision with Willard Katsande.
It was thought he was nearing full fitness however it appears the Glamour Boys are willing to err on the side of caution when it comes to his full recovery.
Chiefs’ physio Dave Milner confirmed the 32-year-old will play no part in the Soweto derby, along with up-and-coming youngster Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who is out with an achilles tendon injury.
Speaking to the side’s official website, Milner said: “He has made considerable progress but we will only be able to ascertain his readiness to play at the beginning of August. A shoulder injury is sensitive and we have to make sure he is comfortable and ready to play.
“Ngcobo will still need to go through a strengthening phase, he is doing well though considering that the Achilles normally can take a bit of time to recover. We are looking September to have him joining his teammates on the ball.
“This means Khune and Ngcobo will not be available during the upcoming preseason friendly matches taking place this weekend in Botswana and next week’s the much anticipated Carling Black Label Cup.”
The Glamour Boys take on the Sea Robbers on 27 July at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The encounter is already sold out.