Sono not fazed by Mashumba ’ s absence

JOMO Cosmos will be without their top scorer Charlton Mashumba for the remaining three games of the season.

Despite this setback, club boss Jomo Sono is confident that Ezenkosi will beat the drop to the National First Division.

Cosmos boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over relegation rivals University of Pretoria on Sunday in Potchefstroom, but lost the top scorer Mashumba on the day through a knee injury after just 27 minutes.

“He is out [of the remaining games]. It is the knee,” Sono said.

Mashumba has netted seven goals in all competitions, including the crucial winner over AmaTuks before limping off, but Sono has confidence in Brice Aka, who replaced Mashumba on Sunday and has three goals this season.

Another interesting change for Cosmos in their last two games has seen Cheslyn Jampies ’ s move from left-back to central defence in place of Ndabenhle Mthembu.

To Sono ’ s credit, Jampies has had a decent run in the heart of defence alongside captain Frederick Nsabiyumva.

“He came on for Mthembu against Bloemfontein Celtic and I kept him there for the game against Tuks. “I think he is a better centre-half than a left-back,” Sono added.

Cosmos will face Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows away in their next two games.

They play Maritzburg United at home in their last outing of the campaign.

Meanwhile, University of Pretoria coach Shaun Bartlett admitted that they didn ’ t play their normal game against Cosmos, especially in the first half.

Bartlett ’ s boys have a tricky fixture against the league ’ s top team, Mamelodi Sundowns, on Wednesday at Tuks Stadium.

They will also play Polokwane City [away] and Golden Arrows [home] in their last three games.

“My team never turned up against Cosmos.

“It doesn ’ t matter who we play at home, we have to make sure we win those games,” added the former Bafana Bafana striker.