Down and out for Sheppard

Gordon Igesund has bemoaned Dillon Sheppard's long-term injury as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for crucial back-to-back clashes with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the next two weeks.

"We've been very unfortunate this season. First it was Gift (Leremi, who died in a car accident in September), then we had many injuries. Now Dillon's season is over. It's incredible," said the rueful Sundowns coach, having seen his midfielder snap and break a leg during Sunday's Telkom Knockout semifinal clash with Free State Stars.

Sheppard was examined on Sunday night and, just as his injury seemed pretty bad from television pictures, scans confirmed that he will not play football again this season.

Doctors could not say exactly when he would return - or worse, if he would be able to play again - and Igesund is now left with a huge problem at left wing.

Incidentally, Sheppard suffered an injury at the start of the last term, forcing Igesund to move Lerato Chabangu to left wing, but now that the striker appears to be enjoying himself as a forward, it will be interesting to see what Igesund does next.

Watching even more keenly will be Muhsin Ertugral, whose inconsistent Chiefs side face Sundowns on Wednesday in an Absa Premiership match (Absa Stadium, Durban, 7.30pm) and again on December 1 to contest the money-spinning Knockout final.

The Brazilians did not lose to Chiefs last season and, famously, exchanged more than 60 passses without Amakhosi touching the ball in their 2-1 win back in February, but Igesund is as cautious as ever to punt his side as favourites.

"Both matches (Wednesday and the final) will be great, just as it was last season. But I'm a bit concerned about the number of games we've had to play lately. Sunday was our fourth match in 12 days and Chiefs go into tomorrow's match having had an extra day's rest. And we had to go into extra-time against Stars."

But Igesund may be wary of his record against Ertugral who, while with Ajax Cape Town last season, recorded four victories over Sundowns, one of which came in a cup final.

But Amakhosi are not without problems. Tinashe Nengomasha is suspended and Ertugral could be forced to try a rusty Derrick Spencer in the demanding holding role.

The Chiefs camp was unsettled by a bust-up between Ertugral and Kaizer Motaung Junior last week, but the striker reportedly apologised to his coach in front of his teammates at the weekend.

SuperSport United host Orlando Pirates in another key fixture Wednesday night. Pirates will still be without Happy Jele in defence but Lehlohonolo Seema should return to bolster Owen Da Gama's revived side.

The match between Thanda Zulu and Golden Arrows has been postponed following the death of Arrows director Rocky Madlala.