Coach Rulani Mokwena has discussed whether a key Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will be out injured for their Caf Champions League semi-final against ES Tunis on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena got injured in the Brazilians' game on Friday night, the 2-2 draw against Moroka Swallows.
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Mokoena was substituted early in the same game after scoring a cracking goal, and there's been concern whether he would make it in time for the big Esperance match.
Mokwena spoke to the media to explain Mokoena's injury and is confident his midfielder will be ready for the Champions League.
“No, no he just felt a small tweak and I’m very proud of him because I always tell them 'once you feel something small – out!' Don’t take risks',” Mokwena told journalists.
Mokwena believes his midfield ace could’ve continued playing especially after scoring the cracker from 30-yards out as the feel-good factor usually takes over in such instances. The coach is proud his player took take the decision on-field not to continue due to feeling some form of discomfort.
“He scored a good goal; he could’ve celebrated and continued to play because you know the feel good hormones, they take over the pain.
“But he was brave enough to say; ‘hey, I’ve got something and I’m very proud of him for doing that,” Mokwena stated.
Sundowns, who are known for playing fluid offensive football, haven’t enjoyed that over the last four matches in all competitions with two of the games won on penalties, against Young Africans in the Champions League quarters and the University of Pretoria in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
Among the other matches that were tightly contested by Masandawana include the 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs, in again controversial circumstances, after Lucas Ribeiro Costa found the winner from a spot-kick.
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