Mamelodi Sundowns face late fitness calls on Mokoena and Williams

Mamelodi Sundowns could be without Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams for this weekend’s CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger in Tshwane, with both players still doubtful because of injury.

The pair have missed Sundowns’ past few matches, including Tuesday’s Carling Knockout quarter-final victory over Golden Arrows. Mokoena picked up a knee problem while on international duty with Bafana Bafana, while Williams has been unavailable because of what coach Miguel Cardoso described as “pathology”.

Ricardo Goss has taken over in goal in the absence of Williams, who is from Gqeberha.

Cardoso said Sundowns would not risk either player’s fitness by rushing them back for the clash with the North African side.

“We cannot risk the health of the players, yet our role here is to protect the players. Let’s see how things progress,” he said at the post-match news conference at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“Obviously, we would like a lot to happen and for them to be ready for the biggest matches. I think we have other players doing well in those positions whom we trust.”

The Sundowns manager confirmed that Mokoena’s injury has been a particular concern after the midfielder returned from international duty in poor condition.

“We have a big setback with Teboho. As you understand publicly, he didn’t come even close to a good condition when he came back from the national team. He came back injured,” Cardoso said.

Mokoena had already featured in the MTN 8 final despite not being fully fit. Cardoso explained that the player then suffered a further problem after contact while struggling to put weight on the affected leg.

“It was very important to play him in that MTN 8 final, but unfortunately, when he was standing on one leg, he had contact, and of course there was a small thing on the leg,” he said.

“It’s a second time, same leg, same things. Let’s see.”

Cardoso added that Sundowns had put considerable effort into Mokoena’s recovery and said the midfielder remained in good spirits.

“A lot of work has been done on him. You saw him today smiling with the team, his mood is okay,” he said.

The club will therefore have to assess both players before deciding whether they can take part in the CAF Super Cup encounter. In the meantime, Sundowns will rely on the squad members who have filled the positions during the duo’s absence.