Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is hopeful that Lehlohonolo Mojela will make a return to fitness for the final few weeks of the season.
The 28-year-old striker signed for Stellies from TS Galaxy this term but has been sidelined for virtually the whole campaign after picking up a knee injury in the MTN8 final defeat to Orlando Pirates.
Mojela scored a goal in that game before suffering a recurrence of a pre-existing injury that ultimately required surgery.
Barker admits it is optimistic to expect Mojela to make an impact as the club’s season draws to a climactic end.
Stellenbosch are currently fighting for third place on the Betway Premiership standings and are in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Barker said on FARPost: “He promised me that if we make the final of the Confederation Cup he would be available.
“It’s just part of his rehab, so he is running now. At least he is able to sort of kick the ball. It’s just one of those injuries that you can’t rush, so for all intents and purposes, he was always going to be available around early May.
“But we will just have to see. It wouldn’t make too much sense to force it just for one or two games and he is not 100 per cent. Hopefully, he will play one or two games before the end of the season.”
Stellenbosch take on Simba away from home in the first leg of the Confederation Cup semi-final on Sunday, 20 April.