Johannesburg – Springbok Sevens playmaker Cecil Afrika underwent minor surgery on Thursday to repair damage to his knee after being injured during the Gold Coast Sevens last week.
The former IRB Sevens Player of the Year has been ruled out of action for up to four weeks. Team management is hopeful he will recover in time to be considered for round two of the Sevens World Series in Dubai.
The Dubai Sevens takes place on November 30 and December 1 and will be followed by the Nelson Mandela Bay SA Sevens a week later in Port Elizabeth.
Tshotsho Mbovane, the winger who made a good impression at the Gold Coast last week after his long-awaited return to action following a serious knee injury, was also ruled out of action for a month.
Mbovane fractured a finger on his right hand, and while there is no need for an operation, he will not be able to take part in any contact sessions for the next four weeks.
South Africa finished third behind Fiji and New Zealand at the season-opening tournament at the Gold Coast.
Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu was hopeful the injured duo would recover fully and in time for the next two rounds of Series action.
“Fortunately for us it seems they will possibly have just enough time to complete their rehabilitation in time for Dubai and Port Elizabeth,” Treu said.
“A few other guys picked up some bumps and bruises, but that's to be expected when you are required to play in six matches over two days.” – Sapa