Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that Khuliso Mudau will be ready for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, while four players have minor issues.
Broos named his 23-man squad on Thursday which featured Siyabonga Ngezana and Relebohile Mofokeng, two potential debutants after impressive seasons for FCSB and Orlando Pirates, respectively.
But he will now have to make do without Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Grant Kekana who was released from the team camp on Monday morning, after suffering a hamstring injury in the Nedbank Cup final defeat to Orlando Pirates in Mbombela on Saturday.
While Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Given Msimango has now replaced him in the squad, Broos also gave an update on Mudau after his shoulder injury in the Nedbank Cup final.
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“These are two important games therefore we decided to free and let him [Grant Kekana] go and we have replaced him with Given Msimango from Kaizer Chiefs,” Broos said as the squad assumed camp today.
“Second problem, well there is no problem, is Khuliso Mudau so everybody knows what happens in the final on Saturday. After the medical check yesterday evening, Doctor gave me the guts, and also the player that it’s not that bad and he will be ready. Also trained today afternoon, for the game on Friday.”
The Belgian tactician further explained that four Sundowns players arrived in camp with minor niggles but should be fine for Friday’s game in Uyo, Nigeria.
“Third – Little problems with Teboho [Mokoena], Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas and Ronwen Williams. Uhm, nothing to worry about, but okay, the little problem is there, but it will give us no problem for the game on Friday.
“So the guys will train with us, Ronwen a little bit less because he has a shoulder, but for the rest we don’t make problems about that yet.”
South Africa take on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up on Friday evening at 21h00, before returning to host Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein four days later.
