BaBafana Bafana held their first training session at the University of Johannesburg Stadium with an almost full squad of 16 players. 18 players are scheduled to travel to Mauritius.

Bafana Bafana held their first training session at the University of Johannesburg Stadium with an almost full squad of 16 players. 18 players are scheduled to travel to Mauritius.

The South Africans are in camp to prepare for the second leg against Mauritius in the 2016 CHAN qualifiers.

Thabo Matlaba and Marc van Heerden are suffering from Achilles tendon injuries while Ntsikelelo Nyauza has been withdrawn due to the hectic schedule of his club Orlando Pirates.

Vukile Mngqibisa of Tuks has since been called up to replace Van Heerden and joined the team at training.

The two other replacements are still to report for camp.

“We don’t talk frustration at Bafana Bafana, these are some of the things we have to deal with. But it gives us a bit of a challenge in terms of preparation, and as it is now we are waiting for two more players. Today is just to give the boys a run because they have been resting – to get their bodies back in action, tomorrow we will have intense sessions,” said Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba.

South Africa is enjoying a 3-0 lead from the first leg.

“I think we have to prepare more or less the same, the only question is are the players focussed. We have five or so sessions before the match which is much better than the first leg,” added Mashaba.

“The Mauritius team was happy with the three goals that went past them because they have the belief that they will overturn the result, so we cannot allow the last result to influence our preparation. We will not take things lightly, we need to prepare thoroughly and guard against complacency. Also our training sessions will guide us on that aspect.”

Bafana Bafana will face Mauritius on Sunday, 5 June at the Stade Anjalay in Mauritius.

Kickoff is at 15h00 local time (SA time 13h00).

Mashaba has also congratulated Neil Tovey following his appointed as the new SAFA Technical Director

.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Neil Tovey and wish him the best of luck. It is an appointment that the whole country has been waiting for, we are happy that it has been finally been filled,” concluded Mashaba.