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