Shongwe has been out of Hollywoodbets Super League action after suffering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury during her second appearance for Tuks last season.

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Khumalo adds that she is happy with Shongwe’s progress in training, but still can’t confirm as to how soon the striker can return to league action this season.

“Wendy’s recovery is looking good. She started training with the team recently and will slowly be introduced in serious sessions in training, but we are monitoring her. I am not sure though as to when exactly people will see her back in action in the Hollywoodbets Super League, but we keep monitoring her,’’ said Khumalo.

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Khumalo admits that it has been challenging to find a suitable backup in Shongwe’s nine-month league absence, which saw Tuks only securing two wins in eight outings this season.

“Yes it hit us very hard because you honestly don’t plan for an injury but as a coach you need to come up with a plan. For her to get injured was a great blow to the team but we had to move on and find a solution. It took a toll on us but we had to try and manage without her,’’ added Khumalo.

The 47-year-old mentor adds that she is pleased that Banyana Banyana Desiree Ellis has also shown concern regarding Shongwe’s recovery which speaks to her impact in even the national team.

“In the national team she was assigned to play as a left-back. It is good that coach Desiree keeps following up regarding her recovery, which means she has an impact in the national team as well,’’ said Khumalo.

Khumalo further shared an update on another injury that hit the team, the one of goalkeeper Kay-dee Windvogel.

“Windvogel got injured in the match against TUT and is still recovering and good news is that it is not a bad injury. She just needs to go for rehab and will be back in no time.’’

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