Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki has promised to give Thapelo Morena the same chance as every South African player to make his squad in future.
Morena is recovering from a broken leg suffered against SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup, which has ended hopes of him making the national team squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Some may even have seen the terrible injury as an end to his international prospects, but Ntseki believes the 26-year-old will return stronger.
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"I think it's a blow for football, especially when you look at the extent of the injury itself, but I think he's strong man," Ntseki says.
"He's got the best medical help in this country, so I think he will get the right rehab, he will recover very well and soon be back in football.
"Football is a career and he has to look after his family, and has to look after himself too."
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Ntseki reveals he had a conversation with Morena the day he got injured and offered him support.
"I spoke to him the day he got injured and also spoke to him after the operation, and he feels good. He's very positive and has good support," Ntseki adds.
"We are all giving him the support he needs. It's not only about Morena's injury, like I said every player now sees himself playing for Bafana Bafana, it's very interesting.
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