Two Bafana Bafana players were ruled out of the clash against Zimbabwe after testing positive for Covid-19.
The South African national team had initially reported a clean bill of health, with only Mvala being sidelined with a minor injury, but sent an update on Wednesday afternoon.
Thibang Phete and Thabiso Kutumela were ruled out after testing positive.
“Thibang Phete who plays for Portuguese club Belenenses SAD was missing from training, after his PCR (polymerase-chain reaction) test came back positive for Covid-19, and was isolated immediately. Later it was flagged that another positive test returned for Thabiso Kutumela, as the teams results became available throughout the morning. Kutumela was also isolated,” SAFA said in a statement.
Team Doctor Tshepo Molobi added: “We have tried our level best to ensure that the national team remains safe while in camp.
“It is always daunting to try and pin-point as to where and when the infection happened. Every measure is taken to ensure the safety of everyone in the camp.”
Dr. Molobi added that all other tests for players and staff have returned negative and it will only be the exclusion of Phete and Kutumela who will not be traveling with the team when they depart on Wednesday afternoon.
Bafana will undergo their next Covid-19 tests on Wednesday upon arrival in Zimbabwe.