Bafana Bafana’s preparations have stepped up a gear ahead of their international friendly matches against Eswatini and Côte d’Ivoire in the coming days.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges host Eswatini at FNB Stadium on Friday 13 October 2023 (kick off is at 6pm) and then travel to West Africa to face next year’s Africa Cup of Nations hosts Côte d’Ivoire on 17 October 2023..
Broos continues to run the rule over his charges at the University of Pretoria, TUKS HPC, and has preferred to shrug off the challenges the team has encountered this week. There were several changes to the original list that was announced by the coach last week, but the camp remains focused on the first match against Eswatini, and the away encounter against the Ivorians.
The first change was Egypt-based Percy Tau, who was unable to travel due to family reasons. Tau was replaced by Mduduzi Mdantsane from Kaizer Chiefs. There were other forced changes after Orlando Pirates forward Monnapule Saleng was assessed by Team Doctor Thabo Maleka on his arrival and subsequently sent home due to an acute illness. Cape Town City’s Khanyisa Mayo was called up as his replacement.
“The player arrived at camp and after an assessment we sent him home to recover, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” said Dr Maleka.
Goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams arrived in camp with an ankle injury following his club Mamelodi Sundowns’ participation in a cup final against Pirates at the weekend. He is receiving treatment with the hope that he will be ready to take to the pitch against either Eswatini or the Ivorians.
Mihlali Mayambela arrived in the afternoon (Tuesday, 10 October 2023) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane was the last to arrive in camp later on the same day. The team is now at full strength and all members of the 23-man squad have reported for national duty.
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