Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Pretoria Callies were dealt a major blow lately with the former Kaizer Chiefs striker, Siphelele Mthembu added to a host of already injured players.
Thisisfootball.Africa spoke to Mthembu and his coach about how they are coping with the latest setback.
Mthembu limped off after twisting his ankle midway through the second half of their clash against Platinum City Rovers last week at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, and he was taken to hospital for further medical treatment.
Speaking after the game against Black Leopards on Wednesday in Atteridgeville, which Callies won 2-1, thanks to Sifiso Luthuli’s brace, head coach Kwanele Kopo has confirmed several of the players who are still sidelined.
“We are missing plenty of players, we are missing Siphelele Mthembu which is a big blow,” Kopo told Thisisfootball.Africa.
“We are missing our central midfielder, Katlego (Moloi) who has played a very critical role in our team this season. Yesterday we lost the left back Tlou (Nkwe), today we lost the right back and both of them with unexpected illnesses.
“So we have like six starting players who are short, but luckily, we have done very well with the available players and this shows the quality of the squad that we have.”
However, Mthembu who watched from the stands in their victory over Lidoda Duvha at home, has hinted when he can possibly return to playing.
“I’m much better, much better now. I will be back soon,” Mthembu told Thisisfootball.Africa.
“I think probably in two weeks I will be back, two weeks could be enough. I am becoming alright. I hope before the end of the season I will play some games.”
The 35-year-old striker has scored three goals in all competitions after playing only eight games since he joined the club in December 2022. The Romans are 13th in the standings with eight games left as they fight to get out of the relegation zone.
Also Read: Grobler Insists He Is Not Ready to Retire