DURBAN - Lamontville Golden Arrows’ star winger Jabulani “Jafefe” Shongwe is in doubt for their encounter with Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick off).
Arrows have collected eight points in four matches in the league, and have been impressive in big games. Last week they got the scalp of holders Bidvest Wits away from home, hammering the Clever Boys 3-1.
They followed that with another impressive victory against AmaZulu, thumping Usuthu 4-1, but suffered a huge blow as they lost Shongwe in the first half.
“He twisted his ankle. At this stage we are not sure whether he will be fit or not. He will be assessed by the doctors,” Arrows coach Clinton Larsen explained.
Shongwe joined Arrows from Wits last month, though it was reported that Chiefs were one of the teams that wanted to sign him. Larsen has been captivated by his displays since joining the club.
“We’ve been really lacking a real number eight in our team. For the past two and a half seasons we’ve played with two defensive midfielders and that hasn’t given us an advantage in matches," Larsen explained.
"He has brought a different dimension to our team. After two to three more games I have no doubt that his match fitness will be where we want it to be. He is probably 70% now but I’m happy with his commitment, performance and what he brings to the team.
“My target is to get to 30 points and then move to 40 points. I’m not too excited about being among the leaders. Platinum Stars are competitive and have loads of experience. It not going to be easy but we have to remain consistent in collecting points away from home."
Musa Bilankulu, sidelined for the game against AmaZulu, is set to come back from a chest injury. Lehlohonolo Nonyane has started light training but he is likely to miss out against Stars.