Pitso Mosimane, Mamelodi Sundowns

Pitso Mosimane: Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali could be out for three weeks

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane believes midfielder Andile Jali could be ruled out for three to four weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained during their Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Orlando Pirates last weekend.

The Matatitele-born anchorman had to be excused from the proceedings as early as the opening half after showing a glimpse of danger against his former employers at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

““That was a big one for us. Eish, we lost a guy that always gave us box-to-box movement in the last three to four games. You could see even in the first two minutes, you could see where he was when he got the injury,” Mosimane told the media.

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The ex-KV Oostende midfielder faced the Buccaneers for the first time since joining the Tshwane side at the beginning of the season, but was substituted in the 13th minute after pulling his hamstring just as he was starting to find his best form for his club.

Jali recently walked away with the Man of the Match Award in their 1-0 win over Chippa United away in East London and was slowly forming a strong bond with Hlompho Kekana in the midfield and 'Jingles' has lamented the loss.

“We lost a very good football player but I think (Tiyani) Mabunda did exceptionally well when he came on,” he added.

“Honestly, I think it’s three to four weeks and he doesn't need it when he is playing so well,” responded the coach.

On the other hand, the Brazilians' mentor could turn to the likes of Mabunda and Kekana to fill the void in the heart of the park until Jali recovers.

However, Mosimane remains concerned with his skipper and Mabunda who are both on national duty with Bafana Bafana, saying they might come back nursing injuries as they will meet Nigeria in a crucial 2019 Caf African Cup of Nations qualifier this weekend.

“Hlompho Kekana is also going to the national team and anything can happen there with the national team. Mabunda is also there. You must understand that anything can happen there,” he continued.

“I don't have three central midfielders. You see how we lost ‘Vila’ (Vilakazi) with the injuries,” concluded Mosimane.

In addition, the Brazilians are set to resume their domestic campaign in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) against Black Leopards on Wednesday, November 28 away.


 

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