Mamelodi Sundowns face an anxious wait for the fitness of three players who were injured on Bafana Bafana duty during the international break, as the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates approaches.
Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba sustained injuries during South Africa’s 2–1 AFCON qualifying victory over Guinea last Saturday, while fellow midfielder Bathusi Aubaas was forced off after just 12 minutes against Eritrea on Wednesday.
The setbacks have left head coach Miguel Cardoso awaiting clarity on the trio’s availability ahead of the October 10 showdown at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Mokoena and Modiba missed Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Cairo.
Aubaas’ early withdrawal in that encounter added another fitness concern for Sundowns during a crucial period in their preparations for the MTN8 final. Sundowns legend Surprise Moriri, meanwhile, has backed the club’s squad depth to help them cope should players be unavailable.
Speaking to FARPost on the sidelines of the 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Football Championship National Finals at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve on Wednesday, Moriri addressed the injuries to Mokoena and Modiba.
MORIRI BACKS PLAYERS TO STEP UP
Moriri acknowledged Modiba and Mokoena’s importance to both club and country but said their absence creates an opportunity for others to contribute. Bafana are scheduled to play Egypt in Cairo in an international friendly on Sunday, 4 October.
“You are talking about starters, whether they are at Bafana or Sundowns,” Moriri told FARPost. “But they [Bafana] have a lot of players, and some have to jump in. You also look at last week after Aubrey went out, [Samukele] Kabini came in and scored a brilliant goal [versus Guinea]. So we have players who can come in, because that is why we are a team.”
Mokoena’s influence in midfield and Modiba’s contribution on the left make their fitness particularly significant ahead of the meeting with Pirates. Aubaas’ injury has further complicated the midfield picture.
Moriri expressed hope that Mokoena and Modiba would recover in time to feature in the final.
“So I wish them a speedy recovery because we also need them for the MTN8 final,” he added.
The pair remain in Cairo ahead of Bafana’s friendly against Egypt on Sunday. National team coach Pitso Mosimane has hinted they could be available for selection, though their participation remains uncertain.
Sundowns’ medical team will assess them upon their return, while the club awaits clarity on Aubaas’ condition.
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