Golden Arrows co-coach Musa Bilankulu has confirmed that striker Lungelo Nguse will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.

The 25-year-old has not played since October when Arrows drew at home with SuperSport United. In that game, Nguse was substituted in the 69th minute by Bongani Cele, although it remains unclear whether the injury occurred during the match or in training.

Nguse, who was once likened to Collins Mbesuma by former Arrows coach Steve Komphela, has been a significant absence for the club. Recognizing this, Bilankulu confirmed that they have engaged with club chairlady Mato Madlala to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window.

“We spoke with the chairlady because there are a few areas where we need to strengthen and we have looked at where we can strengthen,” said Bilankulu. 

“We need few players to strengthen the team because Lungelo Nguse is out with a meniscus and the ACL so he will be out for the rest of the season. 

“So, it means the striker’s position we have to strengthen or get another winger. But I believe our team is dynamic enough (to carry on playing without getting a striker) because the profiling of our players can play anywhere.  

“But it is only upfront where we need to get someone of Nguse’s ability who can bring the team forward with a hold-up play because we still have Knox Mutizwa, we still have Bongani Cele outside, we still have Moyela Libamba. 

“We need to get one more to push Ryan Moon and help the team going forward.”  

Bilankulu made these comments after Arrows played to a goalless draw against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. This marked the first goalless draw between the two Durban sides in 13 years. Ironically, Bilankulu was part of the Arrows team that faced Usuthu in that goalless draw at the same venue in 2012 under then-coach Muhsin Ertugral.

The expected recovery time for an injury involving both the meniscus and ACL typically ranges around nine months, including rehabilitation. Therefore, Nguse may not return to action for Arrows until the start of the 2025/26 season.

Another player who has seen limited game time is Thabani Zuke, who also suffered a similar injury a few seasons ago.

Zuke, who was named the captain of the side after Nkosinathi Sibisi left Arrows to join Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2022/23 season, has not played since October against Chippa United. 

“Zuke is an important player for the team and yes, an injury played a role,” admitted Bilankulu. 

“But, if you remember, he started this season. Against Stellenbosch he was playing and the decline of the form came and he got injured again. 

“So, you will expect the same thing from Nguse when he comes back because ACL is a difficult injury to have. We just need to support him because at training he’s doing well, friendly games he is doing well.  

“But I believe the players that are playing at the moment are keeping him outside. It is not a matter of bad attitude from him, but it is just in some games you plan according to the opposition because the player profile is not the same.”  

Arrows will be back at the Moses Mabhida Stadium once again when they visit Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.