Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt says losing Wonderboy Makhubu for their Nedbank Cup last sixteen game against Golden Arrows and next week’s Betway Premiership match against Kaizer Chiefs is a huge blow.
Makhubu was sent off on Wednesday in the 1-1 draw against Magesi at the Danie Craven Stadium, which will result in a suspension for the next two games.
It’s a big concern for Hunt, who also had to play against Magesi without Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was unavailable due to a medical condition.
“A huge blow, you know we’re really struggling up front, isn’t it?” Hunt said after the game.
“So it’s a huge blow, especially with the next two games. You know, a cup game is a cup game, but the Chiefs game, I mean, he was so good against Chiefs two weeks ago. So it’s a huge blow.”
Hunt will be hoping Mabasa is available, and at the same time will be hoping new signing Olisa Ndah’s work permit is issued by Home Affairs soon.
“Actually, I might go there now,” Hunt joked.
“He is eager to play, the former Orlando Pirates captain, though also needs him to get match fitness.
“We need another centre back, don’t we? You know, badly, He’s another one. You know, you take [Asekho] Tiwani, [Mosa] Lebusa, Mabasa, he didn’t play much in CAF, so that’s a problem.
“So these guys, I’ve tried to play fit, you know, same as Wonderboy, I tried to play him fit, which we did against Chiefs.
“But the problem when you take players from clubs, you think you’re getting, but they don’t train, they play five-a-side of the pitch, so to go into this intensity is always difficult, but we can just get them through this period.”
Langelihle Phili was on target again for Stellenbosch against Magesi, while Samuel Darpoh scored for Allan Freese’s team.