Troubled time for Kings
Tigerish Isuzu Southern Kings loose-forward Andisa Ntsila has been laid low by a knee injury ahead of his team’s Guinness Pro14 clash against champions Leinster at the Madibaz Stadium on Sunday.
This is a serious blow for the Kings who have been hit by a spate of serious injuries in recent weeks as they struggle to make headway in the European league.
Ntsila did not return to the field after sustaining his injury during the first half against Scarlets last week.
Earlier in the season, the Kings lost skipper Michael Willemse and livewire lock Bobby de Wee to shoulder injuries during a campaign that has seen them win only one of seven matches.
Tighthead prop Luvuyo Pupuma is also unavailable for selection this week after sustaining a shoulder injury.
The 26-year-old front-rower is being monitored by the Kings medical team and is seeing a specialist this week.
“This week we have two new injuries. That of Andisa Ntsila, who hurt his knee, and Luvuyo Pupuma, who has a shoulder injury,” team doctor Gershwin Kortje said.
“The two players will unfortunately not be available for selection for this weekend’s match against Leinster. They are undergoing the necessary scans this week in order to establish the full prognosis of their injuries.”
The full Kings injury list: Martin Dreyer (knee), De Wee (shoulder), Bakkies Brown (ankle), Willemse (shoulder), Xandre Vos (neck), Sarel Pretorius (foot), Pieter Scholtz (shoulder), Oliver Zono (knee) and Sibusiso Sithole (shoulder).
Kortje said all the injured players are continuing with their rehabilitation and he is pleased with the progress they are making.
The Kings, however, have been boosted by the arrival of Pumas scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer and Griquas prop Nicolaas “NJ” Ooshuizen.
Ungerer is no stranger to the Kings structures.
He rejoins the team from the Pumas after having previously been a key figure in the Kings side that played Super Rugby in 2017.
“I’m happy to be back at the Kings. I’m looking forward to once again make a contribution to the side, now in a different competition. I’m excited to be part of an international competition like the Pro14,” said Ungerer.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Pumas setup in the past year. I have grown as a player and have learnt a lot of valuable lessons in my time there which have helped me grow as a player.”
The Kings are expected to name their team to face Leinster on Friday.