Sekhukhune United left-back Vuyo Letlapa has earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Letlapa, 21, joined Sekhukhune United in the off-season from ABC Motsepe League side Jomo Cosmos where he was touted by legendary owner Jomo Sono as a future Bafana player that’s destined for Europe in future.
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And it’s taken eight months in the top-flight of South African football for the player to earn his first senior national team call-up after several impressive displays for Babina Noko, who are fifth in the league, one point behind third-placed Stellenbosch.
He’s been called-up for cover in the left-back role with head coach Hugo Broos confirming they’ve allowed Aubrey Modiba time off to be with his partner, who was in labour, ahead of the Lesotho clash on Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
“It’s been a long time where we start a camp with 23 players present, but one is not here, Aubrey Modiba, but he has something more important than be on a camp of the national time as his wife gives birth,” Broos had stated on Monday.
“It needs to be in the presence of the father, this is why Aubrey is not here, but he might join us later but I think these things are more important in life than a qualification game for the World Cup.”
Modiba did arrive in camp later on Monday to be assessed by the medical team after he suffered a hamstring injury in the top of the table clash against Orlando Pirates – and was advised to be withdrawn and subsequently be replaced by Letlapa, this publication has learnt.
South Africa will also face Benin in Abidjan on Tuesday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
