Tiyani Mabunda of Mamelodi Sundowns (Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix)
Sundowns, who already have Khama Billiat and Denis Onyango out injured, could have Tiyani Mabunda added to Mosimane’s list of worries.
The 28-year-old picked up a shoulder injury in Masandawana’s 2-1 victory over Kampala City Council Authority last week Friday.
Although the midfielder told Phakaaathi that he will undergo a late test to determine whether he is fit to face Rise and Shine, coach Pitso Mosimane may just go with a cautious approach.
“Mabunda is struggling with a shoulder, maybe we should save him for Kampala, maybe we should bring back Lucky Mohomi or Teko Modise, we have got options. I can always play Bangaly Soumahoro there, he can play in that position. Maybe that game can suite him over there to stabilize a little bit,” said Mosimane.
“We are trying to see if Khama will make it, he trained a little bit but he still has slight pain there. Do we really need him here to help us to win? No, not really. Denis is also still not available,” he added.
The defending champions have dropped five points in the last two games, and are currently as many points behind the pace, but do hold a three-game advantage over leaders Bidvest Wits.
Mosimane insists that if they are to defend their title, they must treat every match as a big game regardless of the stature of the opponent.
“It is a big game; we have to win this game because games in hand are not anything, even though other people are not really winning. I did say that we might stumble, but who is winning? SuperSport United are not winning, Kaizer Chiefs did not win [against Orlando Pirates], and Wits also did not win [against Chippa United]. So we are still okay,” said Mosimane.
