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AFCON blow for Bafana as Sundowns player battles injury

With the 2023 CAF AFCON just around the corner, Bafana Bafana are sweating over the fitness of a Mamelodi Sundowns player.

The much-anticipated AFCON competition is set to commence on Saturday 13 January to Sunday 11 February 2024. 

Coach Hugo Broos named his final 23-member squad a fortnight ago from his initial 50-man preliminary squad.

Bafana assembled for camp on Thursday, 4 January 2024. Broos’ charges just completed their training camp in Stellenbosch today.

The national team returned to Gauteng on Tuesday as they are set to face Lesotho in a training match behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.  

Thereafter, Bafana will depart for Ivory Coast on Thursday, 11 January 2024 for the much-awaited AFCON tournament.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR A DOUBT FOR AFCON

Bafana Ba Style defender Mothobi Mvala is in doubt for AFCON due to a groin injury he picked up at training.

Meanwhile, Ronwen Williams hasn’t trained for four days. Themba Zwane also picked a knock two days ago.

Bafana Bafana players at OR Tambo International Airport.
Bafana Bafana players at OR Tambo International Airport

“We have a few problems. A few little and a big one. So, the little one is here on my right. Ronwen [Williams] didn’t train with us the last four days but the medical report is positive,” said Broos during a Bafana presser.

“So, he started training but he will not play tomorrow. But he will be ready for next week on Tuesday, there’s no doubt about it. 

“The second one is Themba [Zwane] who picked up a knock two days ago at training. He wanted to train yesterday but it was better not to do so but again there will be no problem for next week. Tomorrow Themba will not play.”

Broos continued: “And the biggest problem is Mthobi [Mvala] sustained a groin injury. So, the doctor is with him now and we will wait for the medical report. He’s not sure that he will go with us to Ivory Coast after tomorrow. But I think we can’t take him with us and for the next 10 days, he’s not ready. It would be better to take a new one.  

“I really hope that’s not so bad and that with a few days rest he’s again with us so I can count on him for next Tuesday.”  

RELATED STORY: ‘Every time you’ve to discuss bonuses there’s problem’: Broos

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