Mphela's agent warns Downs

Johannesburg - Katlego Mphela's agent has warned Mamelodi Sundowns against rushing the striker back as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

The 27-year-old needed surgery in June after spending the second half of last season dogged by the injury, resulting in him missing a large portion of the Brazilians' campaign.

The injury also came as a big blow to Bafana Bafana, with the hitman having bagged 23 goals in 47 international matches, while he will also be missed as South Africa begin preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mphela's representative, Glyn Binkin, says his client needs sufficient time in which to recover, otherwise he might risk further aggravating his injury and be forced to return to the sidelines.

"I believe everybody is on the same page in that we want to see Katlego back as soon as possible, but it is also important that he be given the time he needs to heal properly," Binkin told SuperSport.

"The surgery went well and his recovery is going fine, but rushing him back into service now would only possibly create further problems down the line.

"The goal, I believe, should be to get him ready for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

"That means he probably sits out September and maybe even October, but he will come back a fully healed player and firing again."