Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter has all but confirmed that captain Linda Mntambo has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while also addressing the situation of struggling Orlando Pirates loanee Tshegofatso Mabaso.
Mntambo has been side-lined with injury for the better part of the second half of the DStv Premiership campaign but featured against Marumo Gallants on February.
However, he’s again missed the four games since, with Daniel Cardoso handling captain duties.
Speaking after Babina Noko’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Chippa United, Truter said the former Orlando Pirates defender is still very much part of the squad and his plans but the club wants to handle his recovery and rehabilitation better.
“Linda still has a long-term injury, we very much doubt that he will be available for the rest of the season” said Truter.
“Yes he is working hard with his fitness and everything but rushing him back like we rushed him back against Gallants and he broke down again.
“For his career I think it will be to his benefit to take his time and really make sure that he is fully healed before he returns.”
Truter also spoke about Tshegofatso Mabasa who is still part of the squad but has been struggling to break into the match day squad.
“And with Mabasa, the front three at the moment have all scored,” he added.
“We have Vila [Sibusiso Vilakazi] also who is in there as well, we have the young [Elias] Mokwana, you just saw what he brings as well.
“So at this moment it is tough to get in but he is a model pro, he keeps on working, he keeps on fighting.
“I can’t complain about his attitude in training or anything like that. It is just about waiting for an opportunity and taking it with both hands.”
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Mabaso has only part of the Sekhukhune squad thrice since the restart of the campaign, and also wasn’t given a chance in the Nedbank Cup. Overall, he’s made 14 appearances for Babina Noko, scoring twice.
Truter’s charges go into the international break sitting in 11th position on the log with 28 points from 23 matches.
