Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi has issued an injury update on Mothobi Mvala after fears that the versatile defender could be withdrawn from the AFCON squad.
Mvala reportedly suffered a groin injury during a training session with the Bafana squad as they prepare for Africa’s showpiece in Ivory Coast set to start on 13 January – Saturday.
He had apparently been ruled out for more than 10 days without training. Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki had been earmarked as Mvala’s replacement.
Xoki is one of the four players who are on standby for the Bafana AFCON Squad.
POSITIVE UPDATE ON MOTHOBI MVALA’S INJURY AHEAD OF AFCON DEPARTURE
“As far as Mothobi is concerned, we did investigations which came back satisfactory,” said Bafana’s team doctor, Molobi. “We are quite hopeful and optimistic that we will get Mothobi ready to participate in our first game on Tuesday.
“He has gone through a PRP for the injury that he sustained. This was more precautionary than anything, so at this point, we will continue treating him. Come Friday or Saturday then we will make a final decision after our final fitness tests.”
As per WebMD, Platelet-rich plasma [PRP] is treatment in the form of injections designed to help a person’s body heal from an injury “like tendinitis and conditions like arthritic knees and ankles”.
NO OTHER INJURY CONCERN IN THE BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD
Molobi has also issued an update on captain Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane. The pair were both rested for the friendly clash against Lesotho on Wednesday.
“More or less a similar approach with Ronwen [Williams] and Themba Zwane. Remember, we have always maintained that your [Mamelodi] Sundowns players have just had 30 games in a very short space of time,” added the doctor.
“So we needed to manage their fatigue and their fitness levels, and as a result, the approach with them was to let us take as much precaution as possible to keep them as fresh as possible going into the tournament.
“So, at the moment, there aren’t any big scares with regard to those two. We are quite confident that we will get them sorted before the start of the first game.”
Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho in their final preparatory match at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
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