Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed that there will be a late fitness test for one of his star players ahead of the MTN8 final.
Sundowns' South American attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa was taken off with a knock in the club's CAF Champions League clash against Bumamuru FC last weekend and a late decision will be made on his availability for the final.
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Ribeiro scored the winner the last time when Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in the league a few weeks, but now has an anxious wait to see if he will be available to play in what would be his first major knockout competition final since making a move from Europe to join Sundowns.
The left footed star is Sundowns' top scorer at the moment with seven goals in all competitions and he has chipped in with three assists, making him one of the side's biggest threats in the final third. Sundowns, however, have to wait a bit before making a final decision on his availability for the final against the Buccaneers at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
"Injury update...there is a lot of work being done by the medical team and the rehab guys, which is very good from the sports science perspective. We've only got a serious injury to Sipho Mbule, who is still out. Thapelo Morena is out, Thapelo Maseko (is) doubtful, (Bathusi) Aubaas is out, will not make it. (Lesiba) Nku is back, Lucas Ribeiro will do a late fitness test. So, that's more or less what we have and we have to manage the situation as it is," Mokwena said during a press conference held at Chloorkop on Thursday afternoon, ahead of the final.
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"I am focused mainly on what's on the training pitch and what is available at this moment in time. It does not help to focus on the players that are not available."
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