Mokoena expected to recover in time for Sundowns’ MTN8 final

Teboho Mokoena is expected to recover from injury and be available for Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on October 10.

The midfielder missed Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cairo, Egypt, after suffering an injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Guinea in Soweto.

Mokoena’s absence had initially raised concerns over his involvement in the domestic showpiece, but the injury is now understood not to be as serious as first feared. He is expected to return to contention when Sundowns face Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium next month.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers brought two wins from two matches for Bafana Bafana, although coach Pitso Mosimane had to manage without both Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for the Eritrea game.

Modiba was also injured in the victory over Guinea and could recover in time to feature in the MTN8 final.

There was a further injury concern during Wednesday’s emphatic win, when Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas was forced to leave the field early.

Aubaas had been brought into the starting line-up as Mokoena’s replacement. At this stage, however, it remains unclear how long he will be unavailable.

Bafana Bafana opened their Group D campaign with a victory over Guinea before completing successive wins by beating Eritrea 5-0. Their qualifying campaign will resume in November.

Mokoena and Modiba will now focus on recovering from their respective injuries before Sundowns’ meeting with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.