Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a huge blow when captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele was rushed to hospital after twisting his ankle against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
The Sundowns skipper had just returned to full fitness after a thigh injury kept him out of the Telkom Knockout final.
Brazilians coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that Mphahlele may be on the sidelines for a lengthy spell this time around.
"We took him to hospital now, he had tears in his eyes and it is the first time I have seen that from him," Mosimane told KickOff.
"Rama is a strong boy, but we have Mbekile who can play there at right back; Siyanda Zwane can also play there, so we can't be complaining.
"We have enough personnel to continue. In football injuries are there and they are part of the game."