Kings bolstered for Cheetahs derby

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings received some timely good news, ahead of their derby match with the Cheetahs.

Kings team doctor Gershwin Kortje said fullback Masixole Banda and centre Tertius Kruger are both fit for selection.

The side returned from their trip to Scotland where they faced Edinburgh in the first week of January with the duo having sustained injuries.

Last week Banda (leg) and Kruger (hand) underwent scans to ascertain the extent of the injuries, and the doctor, Kortje, has had some positive feedback.

The Kings were given other injury scares when loose forwards Martinus Burger (groin) and Ruaan Lerm (leg) sustained knocks during training.

“Ruaan Lerm has recovered and is available for selection this week,” Kortje confirmed.

“We are still keeping a close eye on Burger with his groin injury. We can expect to make a call on his availability later in the week.”

With the Kings having had a plethora of injuries in the early stages of the season, the team has also been boosted by the return of utility back Sibusiso Sithole, from a long-term knee injury.

“Sibusiso Sithole is back at full training and has made a full recovery from his knee injury. He has been training with the team and is fit for selection,” said Kortje.

“We also have Andisa Ntsila, Rossouw de Klerk and Oliver Zono who have completed their rehab and are now busy with their conditioning work.”