Mamelodi Sundowns plan to take a cautious approach with Lebohang Maboe, as co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi could not commit if the midfielder will be included in the matchday squad to take on Al Ahly this weekend.
Maboe made his first appearance of the season when he came on and scored a superb goal against lower division club Mathaithai FC in the Nedbank Cup last 16 earlier this week, following his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained before the start of the campaign.
The former Maritzburg United player, according to Mngqithi, is two months ahead of schedule, which is why they are trying to guard against throwing him into the deep end. A clash against Ahly is as big as they come, so the Sundowns technical team will deliberate and see if the 27-year-old should take part.
"As for Lebo, he is at that stage where he can play, given a chance. But we are still a little bit cautious because he is two months ahead of time in terms of what we expected of him, so there is still a feeling of not wanting to push him too much. But there is also a feeling that the boy looks ready to give us something," Mngqithi told media ahead of the clash against Ahly at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
"We will have to decide that with the coaches, but at this stage I cannot confirm. But he is looking very good, I must say."
View images of Sundowns' win over Ah Ahly:
