By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed fitness concerns about Mamelodi Sundowns players in his camp ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers trip to Nigeria.
South Africa will play the Super Eagles in a Group C match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.
Eight Masandawana players reported for national team camp without defender Grant Kekana, who withdrew with a hamstring strain. He was replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ Given Msimango.
“We all witnessed the Cup final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in Mbombela over the weekend, so it goes without saying that we have injuries,” Broos told Safa media.
He said the injured Sundowns players include Khuliso Mudau, Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas.
“But we are confident that after the medical department’s assessment, all will be well. It is still a concern, though,” he said.
The recovering Sundowns players were part of the travelling contingent as Bafana were expected to depart for Nigeria on Wednesday morning.
Fitness concerns for Masandawana players come as the Brazilians have dominated the national team, with their players becoming Broos’s key men.
The Nigeria match is one in which Broos needs all his best men as they try to top Group C, where they are currently second with three points.
Nigeria is a rung below with just a point less than South Africa.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana beat Senegal 2-0 in their second international friendly match against the West Africans at Stade Lat Dior on Tuesday.
After drawing 0-0 with the same side last Saturday, Banyana picked themselves up to win through first-half goals from Amogelang Motau and Noxolo Cesane.
Pictured above: Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau being fitted with a GPS tracker by a member of the Bafana Bafana technical team.
Source: Bafana Bafana
