Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his deep sympathy for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas, who suffered an injury setback during South Africa’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday night.
The two sides clashed in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
Aubaas was handed a starting berth in central midfield in the absence of the injured Teboho Mokoena. However, his evening was cut short just 11 minutes into the first half when he was forced off due to an injury.
Mosimane was forced into an early tactical substitution, bringing on Durban City FC midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel to replace the Sundowns star.
The injury marks another painful chapter for Aubaas, who previously missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a similar setback.
PITSO MOSIMANE ON BATHUSI AUBAAS’ INJURY
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Mosimane revealed the emotional toll the injury took on the 31-year-old midfielder in the changing room.
“Well, Aubaas is an unfortunate player. I mean, Aubaas missed the World Cup because of an injury. Now, he was ready to come back to play, and again he broke down. Yeah, shame, man; he was crying in the dressing room,” said Mosimane.
“But we are there to support him and give him confidence. He’s a very good football player, and he lost his chance to play again because he missed the World Cup. He will soon be back. In the national team, we have patience for him.”
The former Al Ahly and Sundowns mentor admitted that the national team is facing a growing crisis in the middle of the park ahead of their upcoming friendly game against Egypt on Sunday, 4 October.
“So, Teboho [Mokoena] is out with an injury, and Aubaas is also out with an injury. We are losing a lot of players in the midfield,” Mosimane added.
“However, this situation has given Brooklyn Poggenpoel a chance to play, and he performed very well. He played as if he has been playing all the time. We are now a little thin against Egypt in central midfield. So, we had to bring in Themba Zwane to play in the midfield because I wanted to take ‘Yaya’ [Sithole] out, as he’s the only experienced central midfielder we have left.
“We don’t have Teboho, we don’t have Thalente [Mbatha], we lost Jayden [Adams], and we don’t have Aubaas. So, it’s really a little bit unfortunate for us.”
PITSO MOSIMANE IMPRESSED WITH ATTACKING PLAYERS
Despite the midfield selection headaches, Mosimane praised his squad’s tactical flexibility and depth, highlighting the impressive performances of his attacking players.
“However, we are loaded with wingers, fullbacks, and right-backs. I’m happy with the three assists from Oswin [Appollis]. He can play anywhere on the sides, come in, and all that. He’s a good boy and a good player,” he added.
“We gave Luther Singh an opportunity to come back; he has been out of the squad for a long time to score. Even Luther provided some assists, which shows that the players are united and there’s no selfishness involved. Also, ‘Rele’ [Mofokeng] showed his class; he’s really a top player.”
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