Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their Afcon 2021 qualifying double-header against Sao Tome and Principe has been hit by the coronavirus and injuries.
No fewer than six players have had to be replaced ahead of Friday night’s 9pm clash at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, which will be followed up by a “return” leg at the Nelson Mandela Bay next Monday (3pm).
Cape Town City duo Thami Mkhize and Abbubaker Mobara are in isolation and were withdrawn from the squad at the weekend, while Thibang Phete, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali and Reeve Frosler have been withdrawn because of injury.
Monday, Bafana boss Molefi Ntseki confirmed that they will be replaced by City midfielder Thabo Nodada, Musa Lebusa, Vincent Pule, Thapelo Morena and Tshepo Rikhotso.
To heap more problems to the under-pressure coach, Ntseki confirmed he will only have his full squad on Wednesday, while overseas stars such as Bongani Zungu, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, Percy Tau and Keagan Dolly are expected in training camp today.
And Ntseki says: “We don’t have our full squad yet, so those are the challenges we are facing.”
South Africa are currently second in qualifying Group C, three points behind leaders Ghana.
The coach is expected to lead his team to a six-point haul over 182nd Fifa-ranked Sao Tome and Principe to keep South Africa on track for qualification for the Cameroon-hosted tournament, postponed until next year due to the pandemic.