Diakite boost for Ea Lla Koto

Cape Town - Free State Stars have welcomed the news that goalkeeper Daouda Diakite could return to training in a matter of weeks, not months, as was initially feared.

The Burkina Faso international sustained a muscular injury during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Ajax Cape Town at Goble Park and was substituted in the second-half.

However, subsequent scans have eased Ea Lla Koto's fears that Diakite could have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, although the 32-year-old could miss the Nedbank Cup clash against the Urban Warriors early next month. 

A statement from the Premiership club read: "Diakite only suffered a Grade 1 Abductor muscle tear and although at this stage it is not clear whether he will be available for the Nedbank Cup clash against the same opponents, Ajax Cape Town, at Athlone Stadium on March 5."

Diakite joins a number of first-team regulars on the sidelines, including Andrea Fileccia, Moeketsi Sekola and Sthembiso Ngcobo.