08 November 2021 – Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on a wet and rainy day became the backdrop of the first training session for the Bafana Bafana team. All players have reported for duty with the arrival of Jesse Donn, who replaces Yusuf Maart, expected in camp late on Monday night.
The team Doctor, Tshepo Molobi says it is better to be safe than sorry with regards to the midfielder’s injury. “Yusuf picked up the knee injury with his club and we decided to be cautious. Further injury could mean longer recovery time and we did not want to take that risk, so rather he recovers under the care of his club to full fitness. He is a young player and will bounce back soon.”
Coach Hugo Broos, was caught smiling more than often during training and says the mood is upbeat and positive. “I could not have asked for anything more. Everyone had a great session, is co-operative and getting along and is doing what is asked of them, I can ask for nothing more. Now we turn on the focus and give it our all,” said the head coach after the first training session.
Press were also invited to an ‘arrival press conference’ in the Presidential Suite where the head coach, captain Ronwen Williams and Keagan Dolly addressed the media.
“We are missing a few players, so to Yusuf Maart, Mothobi Mvala and Sifiso Hlanti from all your Bafana brothers, get well soon,” said the skipper to the press.
Keagan Dolly who has had an insatiable season so far with four goals, two coming from the recent Soweto derby described how good it feels to be back. “Last time I was here was when we played Sao Tome and friendly against Uganda. I’ve grown, learnt and became a father so a lot has changed, right now I’m loving my football,” said the versatile player to a jeering crowd.
The next press conference will be held on Wednesday 10th November at FNB Stadium at 17h00, ahead of the clash against Zimbabwe at 21h00 at the same venue on Thursday night.