Another Bafana setback: Sundowns star out ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Faced with another squad disruption, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has acted swiftly, replacing a Mamelodi Sundowns star ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The change comes as Bafana Bafana, in Polokwane, prepares to face neighbours Lesotho and Benin in crucial upcoming fixtures.
South Africa are set to take on Lesotho on Friday, 21 March, at the New Peter Mokaba in Polokwane. The kickoff is at 18:00. Broos’ charges will then jet off to Ivory Coast by charter plane to play Benin on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
Bafana arrived at Ranch Resort in Polokwane on Monday morning and had their first training session in the afternoon.
South Africa are pitted in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. As things stand, Bafana are placed second in Group C from four outings. Broos’ troops are equal on points with the group leaders Rwanda. The two nations have collected seven points each.
The group winner will join nine other African nations for the World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2026
HUGO BROOS’ CHANGE IN BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD
Sekhukhune United‘s Vuyo Letlapa has been called up in place of Mamelodi Sundowns’ left-back Aubrey Modiba. Modiba, who joined the squad on Monday night after his wife’s earlier childbirth, had to be dropped due to injury. Modiba sustained a hamstring injury during the tie against Orlando Pirates on Sunday.
“There’s one player who is not here, is Aubrey Modiba. This guy had to do something more important than being with the national team. So, his wife gives birth this afternoon [referring to Monday afternoon]. I think he has to be present as a father,” said Broos.
“So that’s why Aubrey is not here with us. I think those things are more important in life than a qualification game for the World Cup.”
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