Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson has acknowledged Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa’s precarious situation, raising doubts about the midfielder’s availability for the AFCON finals.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa, along with three other Chiefs teammates, received call-ups to the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming AFCON in Ivory Coast starting in January.
And with January beckoning, Bafana coach Hugo Broos will narrow down the expansive 50-man AFCON hopefuls to the final 23 who will depart to the West African country in the new year.
The 34th edition of the AFCON will be played from 13 January to 11 February 2024, with Bafana opening their Group E campaign against Mali on 16 January.
However, Mthethwa’s potential participation in Africa’s showpiece is now in doubt following an injury setback during a recent training session in Naturena.
Chiefs’ interim head coach Johnson described the injury as a “freak accident”, stating that Mthethwa’s AFCON dream hangs in the balance.
Mthethwa, who joined Chiefs just a day before the September PSL transfer window deadline from Stellenbosch FC, missed the Soweto giant’s last home game of 2023 at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Chiefs edged Richards Bay FC 1-0 courtesy of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s goal, but in a press conference after the game, Johnson revealed Sibongiseni Mthethwa sustained an ankle injury.
INJURY THROWS DOUBT ON MTHETHWA’S AFCON HOPES
“‘Ox’” had an injury at training. He hurt his ankle; freak of an accident, and we sent him for X-rays and things like that,” said Johnson.
“He [Mthethwa] came back, and according to the [Chiefs] medical team he has to stay out for a little bit. Whether he will be back for AFCON or ready for the next game, I cannot say.”
According to Harvard Heath Publishing, sprained ankle recovery time hinges on the injury’s severity, classified by grades. Mild to moderate [grades 1-2] can take 3-6 weeks, while severe [grade 3] can require several months of healing.
Amakhosi’s medical team will work with SAFA’s doctors and closely monitor Mthethwa’s recovery from his ankle injury and determine his potential inclusion in the final Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON.
Bafana’s preparations for AFCON will start off on 4 January with a five-day training camp in the Western Cape city of Stellenbosch.
The team will then play a training match against Lesotho at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville before departing for Ivory Coast on January 11th.
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