Injured Mojela to Miss Key Fixtures for Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC’s striker Lehlohonolo Mojela will remain sidelined due to a knee injury as the team prepares to face Marumo Gallants twice within a short span. The 25-year-old forward last appeared in the MTN8 final at the start of the month, where he scored against Orlando Pirates, helping Stellenbosch to a key victory. Since then, his injury has kept him out of three consecutive games against AmaZulu, Chippa United, and Richards Bay.
Coach Steve Barker has expressed optimism about Mojela’s recovery, stating, “He will likely start training in the next week or so. Initially, the prognosis was worse, but after a follow-up, he will most likely start integrating back into training next week.” Despite these promising signs, Mojela will miss both Thursday's Betway Premiership clash at Cape Town Stadium and Sunday’s Carling Knockout quarterfinal against Gallants in Bloemfontein.
Mojela has been a crucial addition to Stellenbosch this season, having joined from TS Galaxy and already netting six goals in nine appearances. His absence leaves a gap in the team’s attacking line, especially considering his recent impact and consistency on the field. To further challenge Stellenbosch’s depth, national team midfielder Jayden Adams will also miss Thursday’s match due to suspension, compounding the absence of key players.
Coach Barker is cautious about focusing too much on the upcoming cup game and emphasizes the importance of securing league points in Thursday’s fixture. “The fact that we are playing in Cape Town is advantageous to us in the first game,” he noted. “It is a league match and there are league points on offer, so one has to find a way to compartmentalize. We have to focus and not think about the cup game, get the job done, and then wake up on Friday morning to start thinking of the next one.”
As Stellenbosch look to navigate two critical matches in four days, Barker and his team face the challenge of adjusting without Mojela and Adams. The goal is to secure victories in both fixtures, reinforcing their standing in the league while advancing in the cup competition.
blogpay
