The shock news that Mamelodi Sundowns’ Venezuelan international goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel could be out of soccer for the remainder of the season highlighted a mixed bag of bad and good news from the reinstated Premier Soccer League log leaders on Friday.
Joint Sundowns coach Neil Tovey said an old injury, which resulted in Dudamel having a screw inserted in his ankle, resurfaced in the first of the two games against Kaizer Chiefs during the past 10 days and further surgery will probably be necessary.
”Fortunately we have someone of the calibre of Andre Arendse to fill the goalkeeping berth,” added Tovey, ”and the loss to the team will be minimised. But it is a big blow for Rafael, who had recently found his best form since arriving in South Africa.”
Sundowns will also be without Vuyo Mere for Sunday’s game against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Sesa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein after the tearaway fullback received a yellow card during the 3-1 win over Chiefs at Loftus on Wednesday.
”Offsetting this loss through suspension,” said Tovey, ”is the return to the squad after suspensions of Venezuelan striker Jose Torrealba and fullback Oscar Ntwagae.”
But Tovey said that while midfield dynamo Godfrey Sapula has made a heartening recovery from injury, he will require a couple of weeks training before being drafted back into the first-team squad.
While suitably ”delighted” with the mid-week win over Chiefs, Tovey said he is wary of Celtic and has warned the Sundowns’ players that any complacency at this juncture could undo much of the advantage gained by the Brazilians in the intense championship race.
”The fact that Celtic have parted with coach Paul Dolezar could make them more dangerous opponents,” added Tovey. ”Teams make a habit of lifting themselves after a change in the coaching staff.” — Sapa