Mooki - popularly known as Tsiki-Tsiki - twisted an ankle at training on Wednesday and coach Muhsin Ertugral said would not risk the star.

"He will need at least three weeks to fully recover," said Ertugral. "It is a major blow for our plans but I have a number of youngsters who are hungry to make their mark."

Another casualty in the Chiefs camp is first-choice goalkeeper Brian Baloyi, who has a finger injury. "I do not want to risk Brian," said Ertugral. "We have an important game on Saturday and I will make a decision on Friday. But if the injury is not looking good I will rest him."

Should Baloyi fail to make it on Saturday, Rowen Fernandez could be in the starting line-up with Aubrey Mathibe starting on the bench.

Fernadez has shown glimpses of his potential in his last couple of matches and this could be an opportunity for him to stake a claim in the first team. Mathibe is yet to make an official appearance in the famous black and gold.

Ertugral, who spoke highly of Leopards, said the spirits were high in the Amakhosi camp and that his players were capable of delivering maximum points against the Venda side. "We trained very hard today despite the rain and everyone showed great commitment," said Ertugral.

"The boys were obviously disappointed after our draw against Ismailia [0-0 in the Mandela Cup] but that is water under the bridge. We have to focus on the clash against Leopards and aim to collect maximum points," he said.

Leopards, who started their Premiership debut on an explosive note under the guidance of former Hellenic coach Gavin Hunt, appear to be struggling to find another gear with results no longer coming through.

Their latest setback was a Coca-Cola Cup exit after a 1-0 defeat by Manning Rangers on Wednesday.

After three successive league victories, Leopards went down 3-1 to Moroka Swallows in their own backyard on August 28. Leopards then went on to draw 0-0 against Rangers at home, but Ertugral believes the side has a potential and that they should never be underestimated.

"They are a good and physical side with a good coach," he said. "Their strikers are also very dangerous if left unchecked and we have to shut them out in the middle of the park. To achieve this we will have to play a pressure game."

PSL weekend programme:

Thursday


At Loftus: Sundowns vb SuperSport United - 18:00

Friday


At Green Point: Hellenic v AmaZulu - 20:00

Saturday


Pam Brink: Orlando Pirates v Free State Stars – 15:00


Turfloop: Ria Stars v Golden Arrows – 15:00


Chatsworth: Manning Rangers v Santos – 18:00


Ellis Park: Kaizer Chiefs v Black Leopards – 20:00

Sunday


At Mehlareng: Classic v SuperSport United - 15:00


Loftus: Sundowns v Wits FC - 15:00


Rand Stadium: Moroka Swallows v Jomo Cosmos - 16:00