Arrows Goalkeeper Awaits Medical Report On Knee Issue
Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla has confirmed that goalkeeper Edward Maova remains sidelined with a knee injury and is awaiting a full medical assessment.
Maova sustained the injury during Arrows’ MTN8 semifinal first-leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns and was replaced by Thakasani Mbanjwa early in the first half.
The Namibian international has now missed two consecutive matches for Abafana Bes’Thende because of the injury. He was unavailable for last week’s Betway Premiership match against Stellenbosch and subsequently missed Sunday’s MTN8 semifinal second leg against Sundowns, with Mbanjwa starting both games in his absence.
Dladla provided an update on Maova’s condition but admitted that the club will only have a clearer understanding of the goalkeeper’s injury once the medical team has completed its assessment.
“Maova, for now, he is out,” Dladla said.
“He is still attending to the medical team. I think they will inform us on Tuesday, when we can get a full report about him, but for now, he is out.”
Maova’s injury is a major concern for Arrows, considering the excellent start he had made to the season. The Namibian goalkeeper had not conceded a single goal in any of the matches he played for Arrows this campaign, establishing himself as an important part of Dladla’s side.
The 31-year-old’s absence is also part of a wider injury concern at the club. Captain Ayanda Jiyane is recovering from a muscle injury and has not played since Arrows’ opening Betway Premiership fixture against Chippa United.
New signing Jonah Fabisch is another player on the injury list. The Zimbabwean international midfielder picked up an injury during training, delaying his Arrows debut despite the club already having played several matches this season.
Arrows will now turn their attention to another Betway Premiership meeting with Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Abafana Bes’Thende will be determined to return to winning ways, but Dladla will be hoping for positive news from the medical team regarding Maova, Jiyane and Fabisch.
