Head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that defender Mothobi Mvala has suffered an injury and is a doubt for the trip to Ivory Coast for the AFCON.
Bafana Bafana landed in Johannesburg on Tuesday head of their practice match against Lesotho before Thursday’s trip to West Africa where they will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Addressing media at OR Tambo International on the day, Broos confirmed his side may have suffered another injury.
Sundowns defender Mvala suffered a minor groin injury that may rule him out of the continental competition, with medical tests to be conducted on Tuesday to assess the severity of the injury.
"The biggest problem is Mothobi, he has a groin injury. So, the doctor is with him now and we will wait for a medical report.
"It’s not sure (certain) that he will go with us to Ivory Coast. So we will wait for the report and see how bad the injury is. But I think if we take him with us and he can’t train for the next ten days, then it’s better that we take a new one.
"I hope, I really hope that it is not so bad and that again within a few days of rest, he can be again with us that I can count on him fir next Tuesday (against Mali).
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On Stand-by to replace Mvala, is Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki who was selected alongside Kaizer Chiefs' Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Stellenbosch’s Iqraam Rayners and Sekhukhune United’s Elias Mokwana.
Nonetheless, Mvala’s absence could be yet another blow for Broos, who has already lost striker Lyle Foster as the Burnley front-man battles mental illness and Lebo Mothiba, who is sustained a serious knee injury in December.
The likes of Bathusi Aubaas also missed out on the final squad selection due to missing large portion of season due to injury while Njabulo Blom and Bongokuhle Hlongwane missed out due to lack of game-time, with the MLS season having ended in October.
Bafana start their 2023 AFCON title pursuit with a Group E clash against Mali on 16 January before meeting Namibia on 21 January and wrapping up the group stage action against Tunisia on 24 January.
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