Black Leopards face a mounting injury crisis at a critical stage of their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign, with their hopes of avoiding relegation hanging in the balance ahead of Friday’s clash against Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga.
With six matches remaining, Leopards need at least 10 points to steer clear of the relegation zone. However, their task has been complicated by concerns over the fitness of their strikers. According to co-coach Duncan Lechesa, three of the team’s four strikers are likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Namibian international Bethuel Muzeu suffered a pulled muscle while on national duty in an international friendly against Comoros on 28 March. Although the injury was initially deemed minor, he was included in the starting line-up against Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium last Tuesday, where he was later carried off the pitch on a stretcher. He subsequently missed last Saturday’s match against University of Pretoria FC.
Mwape Musonda and Donald Mudau, who started that match, were also taken off on stretchers after sustaining injuries. Musonda scored Leopards’ only goal before being replaced by Owen Ramunasi. Lechesa said the team doctor had indicated that all three strikers could be out for at least six weeks.
As a result, Leopards may travel to KwaMhlanga with only one recognised striker, Brian Nkosi, although the availability of the injured trio remained uncertain at the time of going to print.
Co-coach Sundra Govinder remained optimistic despite the setbacks, saying the team still had players capable of filling the striking role. He added that the presence of Yagan Sasman, Sydney Fakude and captain Thendo Mukumela in defence should make it difficult for Casric Stars’ attackers to break through.
Leopards are under pressure to collect at least a point from Friday’s encounter to improve their chances of survival, although Govinder said the team would be aiming for all three points.
Casric Stars, who beat Leopards 3-0 in their first-round meeting at Thohoyandou Stadium in August last year, are among the title contenders. They are fifth on the log with 40 points, six behind leaders Kruger United. Their head coach, Bucks Mthombeni, said they were expecting a tough match against a side fighting to avoid relegation.
In other fixtures, Venda Football Club will host The Bees FC at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday. University of Pretoria will face Gomora United, Cape Town City take on Hungry Lions, Highbury meet Leicesterford City, and Lerumo Lions play Baroka FC.