Several Mamelodi Sundowns players will miss South Africa’s match against Egypt, prompting Orlando Pirates supporters to question whether the timing of their injuries is linked to the MTN8 final.
Pitso Mosimane named 13 Sundowns players in his 30-man Bafana Bafana squad for the international fixtures against Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt.
But the club’s representation has been reduced by injuries during the international break. Aubrey Modiba was forced to leave the field with a hamstring problem during the match against Guinea.
Soccerbeat reported on Friday that Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas had also suffered injuries and would not be available for Sunday’s game against Egypt.
“The midfield will be the biggest challenge for Mosimane as Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are out with injuries and will play no part on Sunday,” the report stated.
The developments have added to the frustration among some Pirates fans, with the two Soweto rivals due to face Sundowns in the MTN8 final on 10 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Some supporters have used X to question whether the injuries are genuine. They have suggested that Sundowns players could be being protected for the domestic cup final rather than ruled out because of fitness concerns.
There is no confirmed evidence, however, that any Sundowns player is being rested for the MTN8 final instead of being unavailable through injury.
The reaction has partly been driven by the perceived difference in the demands placed on the two squads during the international break. Orlando Pirates also have several players in the Bafana Bafana squad, leaving their key players with the possibility of featuring in three international matches before returning to prepare for the final.
Sundowns, by contrast, could have a number of important players unavailable for the Egypt fixture because of injury. That could mean a lighter workload for some of their leading players before the meeting with Pirates.
One Pirates supporter, @BlaqSabali, wrote: “Sundowns is a team of scammers. you can’t convince me otherwise.”
Another fan, @LordKambala, focused on the timing of the injuries, posting: “There’s no injuries here, Pitso think we’re fools.”
@tillity50542 suggested that some of the players might be held back for the final, writing: “Some are rested for the MTN8 phela Pitso is a Sindown fan, he said it that his blood is yellow.”
And @Real_Skilashi96 posted: “Lol, so they actually are saving them for the 10th? Nah Sundowns and Pitso can do better man.”
The speculation is expected to remain until further details are released about the severity of the injuries and whether the affected players will be fit for the MTN8 final.
