Photo Credit: Speedshots.co.za
The Lions Rugby Company released an update on their players who are currently injured with the expected date of their availability for selection.
The return of Sti Sithole next week is of extreme importance as the Lions released Dillon Smit this week who will move to France. The Lions are looking vulnerable at loosehead but we expect that the return of Sithole will make the management sleep a lot better.
The return of Roelof Smit, Hacjivah Dayimani and Travis Gordon will only increase the competition amongst the loosies. Travis Gordon is seen by many as the replacement for ex-Lions captain Warren Whiteley. Gordon had an excellent season for the Wits Varsity Cup team in 2020 and is expected to captain the Lions sooner than later from the back of the scrum.
Jamba Ulengo and EW Viljoen return to the back three should increase the Lions' firepower from the back.
The return of these exciting players is just in time for the upcoming Rainbow Cup.
Jamba Ulengo: Returned to full training on 8 March (injured knee in December)
Roelof Smit: Expected to return to full training on 5 April (knee injury on 26 February)
Sti Sithole: Expected to return to full training on 21 March (hamstring injury on 9 March)
Hacjivah Dayimani: Back to full training next week (meniscus surgery in November)
EW Viljoen: Back to full training next week (knee injury in February)
Travis Gordon: Expected return to play date 29 March (shoulder operation in November)
Emmanuel Tshituka: Available for selection on 12 April (shoulder injury in February)
Longterm Injuries
Mark Snyman: Fractured R wrist, expected to be out for 12 weeks
Jaco Kriel: Return to full training in June (ankle surgery)
Gianni Lombard: Predicted time of return to training is October (can be earlier), knee surgery in November
James Mollentze: ACL, MCL & meniscus on 10 March, expected to be out for 9 months