CHIPPA United are sweating on the fitness of veteran striker Benjani Mwaruwari after he limped out of their 2-1 league defeat at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday night.
The Zimbabwean forward scored in his first start for the club and might have had two more goals as his excellent positioning in the first half left the Abafana Bes'Thende defence all at sea.
He was forced off at half-time with a hamstring strain and United coach Wilfred Mugeyi says they will be desperate to have him back for next Wednesday's clash against Matsatsantsa.
"He played very well and showed the difference that he can make to our side," Mugeyi said.
"He has pulled his hamstring, though, and we are not sure yet how long he will be out. We hope he will be ready for SuperSport next week."
Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted he was a relieved man when he saw that Mwaruwari had not come out for the second half after his defence had been terrorised in the first 45 minutes.
"It was unfortunate for them to lose Benjani and that probably changed the game," Mngqithi said. "Apart from the goal he scored, I thought he brought a lot of intelligence to their attack.
"The positions that he was taking up whenever they went forward were dangerous. As a result we struggled to contain him. He has got so much quality.
"I must be honest, I felt relieved when he did not come out for the second half."
Chippa will also assess the fitness of defender Mbulelo Mabizela, who was injured in the 2-0 loss at Maritzburg United last weekend. The 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows leaves Chippa three points adrift at the bottom of the Absa Premiership table with seven matches remaining.
Chippa need Benjani back
CHIPPA United are sweating on the fitness of veteran striker Benjani Mwaruwari after he limped out of their 2-1 league defeat at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday night.
The Zimbabwean forward scored in his first start for the club and might have had two more goals as his excellent positioning in the first half left the Abafana Bes'Thende defence all at sea.
He was forced off at half-time with a hamstring strain and United coach Wilfred Mugeyi says they will be desperate to have him back for next Wednesday's clash against Matsatsantsa.
"He played very well and showed the difference that he can make to our side," Mugeyi said.
"He has pulled his hamstring, though, and we are not sure yet how long he will be out. We hope he will be ready for SuperSport next week."
Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted he was a relieved man when he saw that Mwaruwari had not come out for the second half after his defence had been terrorised in the first 45 minutes.
"It was unfortunate for them to lose Benjani and that probably changed the game," Mngqithi said. "Apart from the goal he scored, I thought he brought a lot of intelligence to their attack.
"The positions that he was taking up whenever they went forward were dangerous. As a result we struggled to contain him. He has got so much quality.
"I must be honest, I felt relieved when he did not come out for the second half."
Chippa will also assess the fitness of defender Mbulelo Mabizela, who was injured in the 2-0 loss at Maritzburg United last weekend. The 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows leaves Chippa three points adrift at the bottom of the Absa Premiership table with seven matches remaining.
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