Mamelodi Sundowns await tests on Teboho Mokoena ligament injury

Mamelodi Sundowns are waiting for the results of medical examinations to determine the seriousness of Teboho Mokoena’s latest injury concern.

The midfielder was substituted five minutes before half-time during Sundowns’ CAF Champions League match against Wiliete SC on Sunday evening.

The Brazilians were held to a 0-0 draw by the Angolan side in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie, leaving the contest finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.

Mokoena, a Bafana Bafana international, was forced off after suffering a knock and was replaced by Bathusi Aubaas.

Speaking after the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said Mokoena had felt discomfort around a ligament he previously injured while on national team duty.

“Obviously, the maturity of Teboho Mokoena is important to sustain the team. This team has also several young players,” Cardoso said, according to the club’s media.

“But yeah, Teboho, it’s a little bit of a touch on that ligament that was hurt on the national team.”

The Portuguese coach said it was not yet possible to establish the full extent of the problem, but confirmed that Mokoena had been unable to continue in the match.

“In the moment we don’t know the extension of the injury, but he could not continue in the match,” Cardoso added.

“So let’s hope it’s not a big thing and we can recover him for the next match. Tomorrow [Monday] he will be submitted to exams.”

The tests will determine whether Mokoena is available for the second leg, when Sundowns host Wiliete in Tshwane on Friday.

With a place in the next round of the continental competition at stake, the reigning champions will be seeking to complete the job at home after failing to break through in Angola.

Mokoena’s availability could become a key issue for Sundowns as they attempt to progress, although the club will first have to wait for the medical assessment before knowing the extent of the setback.