Spurs hope key duo back for key match-up

Cape Town Spurs coach Ernst Middendorp is hoping to have key players Chumani Butsaka and Luvuyo Phewa back in the line-up for Tuesday’s key DStv Premiership clash at home to Polokwane City.

Bottom-of-the-table Spurs won for only a fourth time this season when they edged Richards Bay 1-0 on Friday but had to do without the two players, who were both taken out of the team on the eve of the match because of injury.

“All of a sudden, in the last moments before the game, both were not available,” explained Middendorp, who was then forced to reshuffle his side around.

“You know Luvuyo has been out for a long time but he trained. We don't really know 100 per cent what's the reason, what's really happening over there in the medical department. It looked good for me Monday to Thursday. I was very happy to see him fresh but sometimes you have to listen to the medical side when they say ‘it's too early’.

“Chumani also trained and then all of a sudden somebody steps on his toe and you see him in a lot of pain and he’s out again for two or three days. And he is limited. He does not have the natural effectiveness that you'd normally see. I don't know, it's another two-three days. Probably we can use him on Tuesday especially now that Asenele Velebayi is suspended,” added Middendorp.

Cape Town Spurs vs Polokwane City

Athlone Stadium 🏟️

Tuesday 30 April 2024 - 19:30🕒

Tickets available on Ticketpro 🎫

Link 🔗 https://t.co/oIWk0hNoqv pic.twitter.com/tJPDXQ2gIK

— Cape Town Spurs FC (@CapeTownSpursFC) April 28, 2024

Spurs will be looking for another win to keep up their slight hopes of staving off automatic relegation after their horror start to the season.

“I’m absolutely happy to have a player like Colin (Ryan) back, even Cohen (Stander) looks good on the training ground. Nazeer Allie is back into training, as is Morne Nel. But we have a little bit of an issue or challenge with Liam (Bern), who’s got a little bit of a groin problem. At halftime (against Richards Bay) we said ‘let's continue but don't overstretch it, don't overload’. It happens with the young guys in particular now in the stressful moments (that they pick up injuries).

“Therefore, we are happy that we have increased options and that everybody contributes. I think the collective ambition of the team is crucial, but we only can have a successful collective ambition if everybody is giving in a maximum way.”

“We’ll do our best to try to be prepared to find the right decisions. There will be again some changes because of injuries and suspension but let's wait and see,” he added.