Mares' forward, Refilwe Tholakele could be out of action for six moths after suffering a horrific injury during a Hollywood Bets Super League match last weekend.
Thokale broke her leg during club duty for Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon after a collision with Richmond United's goalkeeper, Cynthia Shonga in the second half of Sundowns' 8-0 win. The team's coach, Jerry Tshabalala has since confirmed the speedy forward could be out of a lengthy period. "It is really frustrating. It is a broken leg, it is all in the game of football. We (are) hoping she will be back but she could be back after six months," Tshabalala said. The forward had just recovered from a knee injury earlier this year and has been instrumental in Sundowns' title defense quest. Since her return, she has scored six goals in 11 games and sits five goals behind the league's leading goal scorer and club mate, Boitumelo Rabale. The forward has had the best return in the league averaging two goals per match.
Tholakele's injury is a blow for the Mares as they prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be held next July in Morocco. She is expected to return to action in January and could still make the Mares' squad for the tournament. The former Township Rollers forward will, as a result of the injury, miss the Mares' international tournament in Tunisia. The team departed for North Africa on Monday and will play Tunisia and Tanzania. The Mares take on Tanzania tomorrow and will face Tunisia on Monday. The team's head coach, Alex Malete has not shaken up the squad with a lot of changes but he has included the international based duo of Masego Montsho who plays in China and Zambian based, Mokgabo Thanda, while Sundowns' goalkeeper and team captain, Sedilame Bosija also made the trip. The DTCB Women’s Championship's 16 goal striker, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe of Gaborone United is also in the mix.
