Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has shared an update on the fitness of long-term injury casualties Rivaldo Coetzee and Lebohang Maboe.
Coetzee made his first appearance in over a month as he came on as a late substitute in Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the weekend and appears to be edging closer to making a start.
Mokwena has revealed that ‘Riva’ was laid low by a “muscular complication” and is yet to take part in a full training session.
“‘Riva’ had a contusion – just a muscular complication, but he hasn’t trained fully with the team,” said Mokwena, as quoted by Sowetan LIVE.
“But we’ve got a couple of situations and we had to fast-track his return, but the medical department has done fantastic work to try to get Riva back.”
Maboe, meanwhile, is not likely to make a return to first-team action this year as he is still working his way back to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery in August.
Mokwena explained: “Maboe is actually progressing extremely well, training individually now but we still predict a long-term layoff from Lebo.
“He’s still not even close to taking part in full training.”
The table-topping Downs are the only remaining unbeaten team in the DStv Premiership, having recorded nine wins and three draws in their first 12 fixtures of the campaign.
Their next test is a clash with fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.