Highlands Park receive injury boost

Cape Town - Ahead of their clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park have been boosted by the return of Lindokuhle Mbatha and Thabo Motlafi.

Both Mbatha and Motlafi missed the Lions of the North's 2-2 draw with Black Leopards, but their availability has handed coach Owen da Gama a boost as he prepares his side to take on the defending champions.

For former Sundowns man Mbatha in particular, the match will be a special occasion.

"The preparations are going well. We have players returning to the team like Mbatha who was not around (against Leopards). Thabo Motlafi, who was also not around, is returning," revealed Highlands Park media officer Sibonelo Ngidi, according to Soccer Laduma.

Park drew 1-1 to Orlando Pirates in their opening game before the draw against Leopards. Their opponents came back from behind in both of those matches.

As they prepare for the 19:30 kick-off against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld, they will know that gaining and holding onto the lead against the defending champions may well be even tougher than in previous games.