Arrows Goalkeeper Awaits Update on Knee Injury Recovery

The manager of Golden Arrows, Pitso Dladla, has announced that goalkeeper Edward Maova remains sidelined with a knee injury, pending a detailed medical assessment.

Maova sustained the injury during the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns and was substituted in the early stages of the match for Thakasani Mbanjwa.

The Namibian international has now missed two straight matches for Abafana Bes’Thende due to this injury. He was unavailable for last week’s Betway Premiership fixture against Stellenbosch and also did not participate in the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Sundowns, where Mbanjwa started in goal for both encounters.

Dladla provided an update on Maova’s condition, noting that the team would have a clearer understanding of the goalkeeper’s injury once the medical staff completes their evaluation.

“For now, Maova is not available,” Dladla mentioned.

“He remains under the medical team’s supervision. I anticipate they will provide us with updates by Tuesday, at which point we can expect a full report about his condition, but for now, he is sidelined.”

Maova’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Arrows, especially considering his impressive performance at the start of the season. The Namibian goalkeeper had kept a clean sheet in all his appearances thus far, making him an invaluable part of Dladla’s team.

Moreover, the 31-year-old’s injury brings attention to a wider concern regarding injuries within the squad. Team captain Ayanda Jiyane is recovering from a muscle injury and has not been on the pitch since the opening Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United.

In addition, new recruit Jonah Fabisch is also unable to play due to an injury sustained during practice, delaying his debut for the Arrows despite the team already competing in several games this season.

Looking ahead, Arrows will prepare for their upcoming Betway Premiership match against Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

Abafana Bes’Thende will be motivated to revert to winning ways, while Dladla hopes to receive encouraging news from the medical staff regarding Maova, Jiyane, and Fabisch.