Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has discussed why Thembinkosi Lorch had to pull out of training early on Thursday afternoon, while he confirmed that Sipho Mbule is ready for selection.
Both Lorch and Mbule did not travel to Austria during pre-season due to their injuries, but they have made significant progress over the last few weeks and Sundowns' supporters could see them back in the matchday squad in the near future.
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"On Lorch, he is as close as possible to the matchday squad. He has played a friendly that we played against Sekhukhune, and he has been training quite well. It's just unfortunate today that he had a minor stiffness in the hamstring, that's why he pulled out early from training," Mngqithi told media at a press conference held at Chloorkop on Thursday.
"But otherwise, we are happy with the contribution he might make, and we are also happy with the commitment and level of professionalism he has shown from the beginning of the season when he was injured."
Mbule is ready to feature in the matchday squad, but Mngqithi made it clear that it's up to the player to stake a claim in the team.
"Sipho is another player who has started full training, and it will only depend on the numbers and everything else. But he can be selected into the team. It's all up to him at this stage. He has also been training very well."
Sundowns are set to take on Mbabane Swallows in the first leg, second round preliminary clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, with the Eswatini outfit as hosts.
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Bafana stars Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau were not part of Sundowns training after they returned to the country on Wednesday evening. They will have an opportunity to train with the team on Friday, before they take on Swallows.
