Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas said on Saturday night that his players were all still “very shocked” to have witnessed winger Joseph Molangoane’s injury.
Molangoane suffered a broken ankle in the 50th minute after he came out worse off in a challenge with Free Stars midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula in Amakhosi’s 3-0 MTN8 quarterfinal win at FNB Stadium last night.
The player was immediately rushed to the hospital, with his injury looking like it could potentially end his season prematurely.
“We are happy about this victory, but we are also very shocked because we lost a nice guy like Joseph. We dedicated the victory to him. It’s a serious injury. I hope he comes back quickly. I am happy about the result but very sad for my player,” Solinas said.
“But this is life it is football. He has a fractured or broken ankle and he could be out for sometime. I really wish him a speedy recovery.”
Defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s reaction to seeing Molangoane’s ankle break was one of anger as he quickly rushed to assist before confronting Makhaula.
Mphahlele had to be restrained by teammates as they, too, buried their heads in their hands while Molangoane was carried off the pitch in a stretcher and rushed to hospital.
“I spoke to Rama and he is still very shocked. They lost a teammate, an important play. This is football guys. Life must continue. And this was his first game. For us this is a bad loss. We have lost him for a long time now. This was his first game this season. I don’t have the words to explain my emotions. We can only pray for this guy.” Solinas said.