Sundowns’ Zwane doubtful for Al Hilal clash

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane is a doubt for the Caf Champions League group clash against Al Hilal at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

“Mshishi”, as Zwane is affectionately known in football circles, missed Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Richards Bay on Tuesday. Coach Rulani Mokwena is hopeful that the midfielder will be available for the Al Hilal clash.

“[With] Mshishi we are waiting for the diagnosis, the scans and the doctors [but] it’s not as serious as it looks. He’s an important player for us, [he’s] the captain of the team. Even with Denis [Onyango] on the pitch he still keeps the armband. [He is] important for the team because he gives so much confidence, hopefully he’s back sooner rather than later,” said Mokwena.

Mokwena also provided an in depth and encouraging update with regard to the players that have been ruled out for the most time this season.

“[Abubeker] Nassir’s injury, Haashim Domingo and Lebo Maboe is long term but most of the players are still working their way back to fitness. Some of them are on the green grass already, Terrence [Mashego] is starting to train [but he is] still not available for selection. [Abdelmounaim Boutouil] AB [is] still not available for selection, there’s about six or seven players. We are a little bit in that space where we’ve got quite a few injuries especially in the front line, but it’s good that the rest of the squad players are picking up their hands and competing for places.”