Future looks bright for Mhlongo

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has confirmed that goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo is making a quicker than expected recovery from injury and could be back playing in the next three weeks.

Mhlongo, who is the Buccaneers' first-choice shot-stopper, injured his knee in a league match against Supersport United on 11 August.

The Protea-Glen-born player required surgery and was initially told he would be out of action for up to 10 weeks. Tinkler, though, sounded upbeat when he discussed the progress made by Mhlongo.

Tinkler told KickOff: "Brighton Mhlongo is actually progressing exceptionally well. I think as you are well aware, originally, we projected that he would be out for 8-10 weeks. 

"We have been recently informed by the medical staff that within the next three weeks he will be back.

"His recovery has been exceptional. He's a very good professional player, he works extremely hard in terms of his rehabilitation and the type of lifestyle he leads is also very good, and that has helped him in his recovery.

"We are very, very happy to find out that he will be back with us within the next three weeks."

Felix Ovono is expected to start in goal for the Soweto giants when they take on Zamalek in the African Confederation Cup on Sunday, September 13.