Stellenbosch have been handed a heavy blow with striker Lehlogonolo Mojela ruled out for the rest of the season.
The 28-year-old had been signed from TS Galaxy as the replacement for Iqraam Rayners and scored six goals in his first nine appearances for his new club at the start of the season.
It included a goal against Mamelodi Sundowns to put his new club into the MTN8 final, plus got Stellenbosch’s goal in the 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the final in Durban.
Mojela was hurt in training several days after the final and while coach Seve Barker said he expected to have him back sooner rather than later, further medical examination revealed serious damage to his knee.
“He has successfully undergone surgery to address a reoccurrence of a pre-existing knee injury,” said a club statement on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, the recovery process will rule Mojela out for the majority of the remainder of the season while the club’s medical and performance teams provide him with the necessary support to ensure he returns stronger.”