Stellenbosch FC receive injury boost ahead of AmaZulu Carling Knockout clash

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt says Bafana Mthethwa and Lateef Kazeem could return to the squad for Sunday evening’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against AmaZulu.

The pair have resumed training as Stellenbosch FC prepare to face AmaZulu at the Danie Craven Stadium, giving Hunt encouragement as he attempts to strengthen his squad for the cup tie.

However, Hunt confirmed that Mosa Lebusa and Genino Palace remain unavailable after failing to play this season.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Hunt said the return of some players would provide his team with greater depth.

“Ja, one or two trained, back at training like Bafana Mthethwa, Kazeem,” Hunt said.

“There’s one or two back again, so that gives us a little bit of hope, but obviously I don’t think they’re going to be ready to play, but they certainly can come into the squad and give us a bit more depth in our squad.”

Stellenbosch FC have been affected by a series of absences since the start of the season, with Hunt identifying a lack of squad depth as a significant difficulty.

“And I think that’s something that’s really hurt us a little bit since the start of the season: our depth in our squad,” he said.

“We’ve missed a lot of players, and if you compare it to AmaZulu, they’ve had their sort of best 11 out most of the time, bar one or two. We need to still get there, I still think, you know. That’s because of players being out because of various reasons.”

Hunt said the returning players could be included in the matchday squad, even if they are not considered ready to start or play a major role.

“So ja, we are getting one or two back, but there is still one or two out of the picture still, like [Mosa] Lebusa; he hasn’t played, and Genino Palace hasn’t played, so they won’t be available on the weekend.”

The coach believes Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu have an even chance of progressing, although the availability of players has affected his side’s preparations.