Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has expressed hope that long-term injury casualty Joseph Molangoane will return in early 2019.
Molangoane broke his leg during his side's 3-0 win over Free State Stars in the MTN8 quarter-finals on August 11, after he was unfortunately injured in a challenge with Makhehleni Makhaula.
Speaking about the accidental injury, Solinas said he is hopeful Molangoane will return sooner rather than later.
He told reporters: "When I visit him (Molangoane) at the hospital, I am emotional.
"When you work with the guys every day you share difficulties. You share the good, you share the bad with the guys. After that you lose one boy, it's painful.
"But Joseph is a strong boy and we hope he will recover and come back quickly. The minimum time to recover is five months from this injury. We will wait for Joseph for next year 2019. Maybe January or February.
"I am very happy with the boy's reaction, psychologically and mentally. He is positive. He is a strong boy."