PORT ELIZABETH – Ahead of the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash on Sunday, the Bafana Bafana camp continues to suffer injuries to key players.
Coach Molefi Ntseki is looking to make his debut in charge of the national side, but he might end up not having the experienced players in his camp due to injuries.
It is now reported that star midfielder, Bongani Zungu has been withdrawn from the squad that will face the Eagles of Mali on Sunday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Zungu who is plying his trade in France with Amiens SC suffered a deep laceration on his left leg while in the colours of his club, he follows the likes of Thamsanqa Mkhize and Brandon Peterson who have been ruled out of the clash.
Mkhize and Petersen were first to pull out of the squad because of injuries and the duo was replaced by Tshepo Rikhotsho and Ricardo Goss.
Zungu withdrawn from Bafana Bafana squad, Mvala called up https://t.co/HPF6rvYZff via @SAFA_net @Banyana_Banyana @BafanaBafana @COSAFAMEDIA #RSA #NelsonMandelaChallenge
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 9, 2019
Meanwhile, Highlands Park midfielder dynamo Mothobi Mvala has been called up to replace Zungu and Mvala is already in the camp.
He arrived in PE last night and will start training with the team today as Ntseki will lead his team in a training session at Isaac Wolfson Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Safely arrived in Port Elizabeth to continue preparations for the 2019 Nelson Mandela Challenge clash against Mali on Sunday 13 October at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3pm. Tickets are R40 for adults & R20 for children under 12 @SAFA_net @Banyana_Banyana @BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/LEwZDHZ3AS
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 8, 2019
On the other hand, defender Eric Mathoho and midfielder Dean Furman also arrived in the camp with niggling injuries whilst Percy Tau remains doubtful for the clash.
The Club Brugge star and Brentford FC midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo were the last of the foreign-based contingent to arrive for the match in the Eastern Cape.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker had to be substituted off in the 41st minute after being caught in a rough challenge in Brugge’s 4-0 win against Gent on Sunday.
Moreover, Strasbourg striker Lebo Mothiba also sat out Tuesday’s training too‚ for a reason as yet undisclosed by the Bafana team management.