Royal Eagles' head coach, Kosta Papic, who missed his club's 1-0 win over the University of Pretoria, has returned to Serbia to undergo a back operation.
The 56-year-old had been suffering from a back problem since late last year but his recent long trip to Limpopo to play Magesi FC apparently aggravated the situation.
This news was confirmed by Papic's compatriot, Vladislav Heric, of Ajax Cape Town.
"Yes, it's true, Papic has gone home for back surgery," he told Soccer Laduma.
According to a source, the former Orlando Pirates mentor wasn't in a fit state to participate in any training last week.
"It looked bad, the coach couldn't even walk," he said. "But his assistant, Joel Masutha, is happy to have been roped in as caretaker coach."
When Soccer Laduma contacted Eagles' GM, Richard Makhoba, for further confirmation, he refused to comment.
